Russian coal exports increased

For the first nine months of this year. Russian railways transported 121.1 million tons of coal for export, which is 7.5 percent more than a year ago. Raw material production totaled 281.4 million tonnes, up 5.6 percent YoY.

According to industry estimates, the structure of coal sales has slightly changed. The significant increase in coal exports is due to several reasons. First of all, China's imports of raw materials have increased this year, as coal prices in Russia are relatively low compared to other countries. In particular, there was an increase in the price of coal from Australia. Russian coal exports also increased after the Chinese Ministry of Commerce banned coal imports from North Korea in April. In addition, the supply of coal from South Africa was limited in July due to the repair of the railway line to the port of Richards Bay.

China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Malaysia accounted for more than 40 percent of total Russian coal exports during the first three quarters.