According to the vessel-line-up data maintained by CoalMint Research, coal shipments exported from South African premium terminal-RBCT has continued the downtrend during Aug’19, thereby attaining its lowest mark for CY19.
Coal exports from RBCT decreased 5% M-o-M to 5.12 MnT in Aug’19 compared with 5.4 MnT in Jul’19, which were also marked 4% lower on the year from 5.43 MnT in Aug’18.
Thermal coal shipments to key markets India and Pakistan attributed to the major share of RBCT coal loading in Aug’19. However, coal deliveries were recorded comparatively lower than that seen in the previous months.
Instead, a jump in exports to South Korea had supported RBCT’s coal loading, which was marked highest since May’18. Coal shipments taken by the country surged to 0.46 MnT in Aug’19 as against 0.16 MnT in Jul’19.
South Korean exports were likely benefited from an easing of coal-fired plant restrictions for the peak summer cooling period and slower growth in nuclear output.
Subdued Demand in India and Pakistan:
Coal intake by Indian buyers from RBCT decreased 25% M-o-M to 2.49 MnT in Aug’19, compared with 3.30 MnT in Jul’19.
Recent cut down in output seen among various Sponge iron manufacturers have receded inflow of South African coal into the country.
However, market participants expect that demand from the industrial sector will pick up with the end of the monsoon season later this month, also boosted by new government funding on the horizon.
During the first 8 months of CY19 (Jan-Aug’19), Indian coal sourcing from RBCT has increased 13% Y-o-Y to 27.42 MnT compared with 24.23 Mnt noted in the year-ago period.
Pakistan’s coal imports from RBCT dropped 12% M-o-M to 0.74 MnT in Aug’19 compared with 0.84 MnT in Jul’19.
Despite commissioning the new 1.32GW imported coal-based Balochistan plant last month, Pakistan’s industrial demand for imported fuel has been limited amid a weaker economy and depreciating local currency.
Elsewhere, Netherlands recorded its first coal shipment from RBCT since May’18. The country had bought 0.16 MnT coal in Aug’19.
During Jan-Aug’19, RBCT’s total exports stood 48.95 MnT, down 3% Y-o-Y from 50.32 MnT noted in the same period last year.
| Country | Aug’19 | Jul’19 | % Change |
| India | 2.49 | 3.30 | -25% |
| Pakistan | 0.74 | 0.84 | -12% |
| South Korea | 0.46 | 0.16 | 198% |
| Taiwan | 0.17 | 0.00 | – |
| Netherlands | 0.16 | 0.00 | – |
| Vietnam | 0.16 | 0.37 | -57% |
| Mauritius | 0.13 | 0.16 | -20% |
| Comoros | 0.06 | 0.06 | -1% |
| Madagascar | 0.06 | 0.06 | -1% |
| Others | 0.69 | 0.45 | 53% |
| Total | 5.12 | 5.40 | -5% |
Source: CoalMint Research
Quantity in MnT
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