2018 will be another good year for coal

For the first time this year, on March 19, coal prices at ARA ports (Antwerp-Rotterdam-Amsterdam) fell below $ 80 per tonne. On Wednesday, March 21, deals were closed at USD 78.61 per tonne. However, the analytical agency for industrial development notes that the decline in coal prices is a consequence of the end of winter. The downward trend will only take some time.

In 2017, prices remained at similar levels from March (USD 78-68 per tonne) to June (USD 77-79 per tonne). The DES ARA weekly averages maintained a similar level for two weeks and were again able to break the $ 80 barrier. per ton. Good sentiment prevails on the international coal market. Rising demand in the Asia-Pacific region has strengthened the current forecasts for increased turnover in the international market.

In December 2017, weekly coal indexes in ARA ports rose steadily, reaching the highest level on December 22 - $ 100.58 per tonne. In January and February, prices were already at a lower level.

According to Noble Group analysts, the global market for thermal coal transported by sea will increase by about 48 million tons, or 5% per year, to 974 million tons in 2018. Demand growth will largely depend on Asia.

According to analysts, 2018 will be another good year for coal. With high demand, it will be difficult to secure an adequate supply of thermal coal. It seems that the global market has limited resources in this regard.