US coal exports continued its rising trend by posting a 13% growth in CY18. As per the data provided by US custom, the country has exported 145.87 MnT coal in CY18 as against 128.87 MnT in CY17.
In fact, coal exports had attained a 6-year high total during CY18.
US coal producers were benefited from strong international markets. US non-coking coal typically trades at a discount to global benchmarks because of higher sulphur content, while US metallurgical coal is particularly valued for its coking properties.
In addition, coal exports were also boosted by the retirement of ageing power plants in the country. With domestic demand in decline, US producers were becoming increasingly reliant on the export market.
Grade-wise Coal Exports:
Exports of both coking and non-coking coal had witness remarkable growth on the year in CY18.
Coking coal exports increased 11% Y-o-Y to 55.8 MnT in CY18 compared with 50.13 MnT in CY17.
US non-coking coal emerged as the second-largest exported coal grade in CY18, rising 41% Y-o-Y to 41.89 MnT.
Pet coke exports were affected by a partial ban on its usage in India, which had compelled Indian buyers to switch towards US non-coking coal.
US Pet coke shipments remain almost stable on the year at 39.95 MnT in CY18 compared with 39.84 MnT in CY17.
| Grades | CY18 | CY17 | % Change |
| Coking Coal | 55.8 | 50.13 | 11% |
| Non Coking Coal | 41.89 | 29.73 | 41% |
| Pet Coke | 39.95 | 39.84 | 0% |
| Met Coke | 1.04 | 1.1 | -5% |
| Anthracite | 0.23 | 0.27 | -15% |
| Others | 6.95 | 7.82 | -11% |
| Grand Total | 145.87 | 128.87 | 13% |
Source: US Customs
Quantity in MnT
Major Coal Importers:
US coal has become increasingly popular in Indian market, amid supply concerns in Australia, Indonesia and South Africa which are its preferred source of coal; while the partial ban on pet coke usage has also supported the growth of US coal.
Indian coal imports rose 12% on the year to 18.97 MnT in CY18, attaining new highs in terms of volume taken in a particular year from the US.
Japan was the second-largest coal receiver in CY18. The country has taken 13.32 MnT coal, up 24% Y-o-Y from 10.76 MnT in CY17.
Brazil replaced South Korea as the third-largest coal receiver in CY18. Coal import by Brazil increased 17% Y-o-Y to 10.77 MnT, while Korean imports were down 16% on the year to 8.21 MnT in CY18.
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