USA Coal Exports Down 3% M-o-M in Feb’17

Monthly coal exports have declined in Feb’17, however, exports have significantly increased on the yearly basis compared with Feb’16.

USA monthly coal exports fell by 3% M-o-M to 9.54 MnT in Feb’17 compared with 9.81 MnT in Jan’17, according to the data released by US Customs.

Monthly exports have been falling after Dec’16 in which the country had exported 10.24 MnT, yet monthly coal shipments in Jan’17-Feb’17 were higher compared with the corresponding months of the previous year.

In fact, coal exports in Feb’17 have increased by 37% Y-o-Y compared with 6.94 MnT in Feb’16.

Grade-wise Coal Exports:
USA majorly supplies Bituminous coal- both Metallurgical and thermal, and Pet Coke. These coal commodities account for more than 95% of the total coal exported by the country. Anthracite, Coke and other grades complete the remaining share of the coal export.

During Feb’17, metallurgical Bituminous coal exports have fallen by 12% M-o-M to 3.43 MnT. While Thermal Bituminous coal and Pet coke coal exports have increased over the month.

Quantities in MnT
Source: US Customs

Major importing Countries:
Netherlands have overtaken India to become top coal importer from the USA in Feb’17. Coal imports from the Netherlands have increased by 20% M-o-M and 72% Y-o-Y to 1.09 MnT in Feb’17.

India and Brazil have also increased coal imports both on the monthly and yearly basis.

Japan, Mexico and China recorded downfall in their monthly imports from the USA, however, exports from all these nations have increased on the yearly basis.

Major Coal Handling Ports:
Norfolk port received a major portion of Coal export from the USA in Feb’17, followed by New Orleans and Baltimore.

Coal exports from Norfolk increased by 8% M-o-M to 2.36 MnT in Feb’17.