Turkey: Coal Imports Down 1% Y-o-Y in CY18

Turkish coal imports have fallen on the yearly basis in CY18. Although the decline has been modest, yet it was enough to end the steady growth marked in the past 4 years.

According to the data provided by Turkish customs, the country has imported 44.2 MnT coal in CY18 against 44.77 MnT in CY17, thereby recording a decline of 1% Y-o-Y.

Turkish coal market was affected by the decline of the domestic currency-lira, where the country had witnessed subdued imports of coal particularly in the second-half period of CY18.

Another reason that had slowed down the import rate was the significant rise in domestic coal production.

Media reports citing Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister, Fatih Donmez have claimed that the country had hit a record high with production of local coal amounting to 101.5 MnT in 2018.

Out of the total volume, public sector had produced 53.35 MnT in 2018, while the private sector had contributed 48.21 MnT.

Turkey had produced 87.8 MnT of domestic coal in 2017.

Grade-wise coal imports in CY18:

Turkey’s Import of non-coking coal which accounted for more than 70% of the total volume, had fell 5% Y-o-Y to 31.49 MnT in CY18.

Coking coal imports increased 7% Y-o-Y to 5.82 MnT in CY18, which was accompanied by a rise in Pet coke and Anthracite coal imports.

Met coke import was down 12% Y-o-Y to 0.82 MnT in CY18.

Source: Turkish customs
Quantity in MnT

Major Coal Exporters:

Colombia and the US have posted an increase in coal supply to Turkey during CY18. Coal exports from both these countries had came into scrutiny as a result of the proposed decision on increase in sulphur limit and a revised tax rates on US coal.

Despite the claims, Colombian coal exports to Turkey had increased 7% Y-o-Y to 19.08 MnT in CY18, while US coal exports grew 14% Y-o-Y to 6.76 MnT.

Export from Turkey’s second-largest coal supplier, Russia, was down 14% Y-o-Y to 12.65 MnT in CY18.