31.10.202506:45:53UTC+00Coal Prices Rise Despite Slower Asian Imports

Coal prices have surged to over $108 per ton at the close of October, achieving a two-month peak due to strong demand predictions, despite a cautious sentiment caused by declining imports from significant Asian markets. Data reveal that during October, the world's top four coal importers—China, India, Japan, and South Korea—experienced a decrease in coal arrivals compared to September. This decline is primarily attributable to a recent rise in coal prices, given the typical delay of several weeks between booking shipments and their actual delivery. Concurrently, China has indicated it will continue to rely on coal power for decades, aiming to hit peak demand by 2030, a reversal from previously faster phaseout plans. This approach reflects a broader reliance on coal across other Asian economies and Europe, fueled by unstable power supplies and the increasing electricity demand from data centers.