Thermal Coal Prices

Australian thermal coal averaged USD 145.6 per metric ton in August, 7.3% higher than July’s price but down 64.0% year on year. On 31 August, the commodity traded at USD 156.0 per metric ton, up 13.6% month on month.

The spot price rose for the second consecutive month in August to a three-month high. This was partially due to rising prices for crude and LNG, two substitutes of thermal coal. With regard to the Australian thermal coal market specifically, developments were more mixed. Exports to China were estimated to have fallen 10% month on month in August, albeit from a three-year high. Meanwhile, the Australian weather service said in August that El Niño was likely to develop in September or October, reducing rainfall and therefore easing supply disruptions but likely increasing temperatures in northeast Asia and therefore reducing heating demand.