It is reported that China's imported coal slipped 18% YoY to 28.68 million tonnes and exported coal rose 0.3% YoY to 33.64 million tonnes in the first eight months. 9.68 million tonnes of coke and semi coke were shipped out in the same period down by 5.7%YoY.

    Current stocks remain high in the north transshipment ports, south unloading ports, and power plants. Power plants see a further decrease of coal price, but traders hold out for price upturn, resulting in large piles of coal at ports.

    Due to slow economic growth in the South, higher efficiency of West-East Power Transmission, and bad weather, southern demand for coal was lowered. Meanwhile, sufficient stock at both discharging ports and power plants also put adverse effects on the coal purchase at the north ports. Otherwise, rail-transported coal arrivals at ports are increasing, for example, coal arrivals at Qinghuangdao port went up 11.4% MoM in August with more discharging cargos than loadings.