Taiwan: Coal Imports Down 11% M-o-M in Apr’19

Coal imports by Taiwan have come down on the month in Apr’19, following a subdued intake from its largest supplier-Australia.

Data provided by customs indicate that the country had imported 5.33 MnT coal in Apr’19 against 5.98 MnT in Mar’19. Apparently, Apr’19 coal imports dropped slightly after a significant rise in Mar’19.

Import volumes were also 4% lower on the year from 5.58 MnT in Apr’18.

During the first 4 months of CY19 (Jan’19-Apr’19), Taiwan’s coal imports totaled 21.2 MnT, up 3% Y-o-Y from 20.56 MnT recorded in the same period of CY18.

Major Coal Exporters:
Australia remained the largest coal exporter to Taiwan despite suffering a hefty fall in coal supplies during Apr’19. Australian coal exports were down 11% on the month to 2.69 MnT in Apr’19, but were 9% higher on the year from 2.46 MnT in Apr’18.

Indonesian coal exports inch up higher on the month at 1.66 MnT in Apr’19 against 1.62 MnT in Mar’19, also rising 36% Y-o-Y from 1.22 MnT in Apr’18.

Russian coal exports increased 46% M-o-M to 0.6 MnT in Apr’19, but were still 41% lower on the year from 1.01 MnT in Apr’18.

Lower coal shipment from Canada had also affected Taiwan’s monthly coal imports, which had fallen 46% M-o-M to 0.22 MnT in Apr’19.

Colombia with 0.13 MnT coal supplies was the other noticeable coal exporter in Apr’19.