South Korean Imports Maintain Record Pace

摘要

Afresh monthly record of 12.7 Mt in September has helped put South Korean coal imports on course for a new record annual total of 129 Mt in 2011 (up 10 Mt year-on-year). Imports of steam coal (including anthracite) are set to rise to 103 Mt; the country's annual gain of 7.5 Mt is likely to be bettered only by India. Meanwhile, coking coal imports are poised to reach 26 Mt this year, up 3 Mt according to SSY's projections. Steam coal demand has increased in recent years due to the introduction of new coal-fired power stations. The country's ministry of knowledge economy stated that demand has been boosted by export-led energy consumption in the machinery, auto and chemical industries. This led to power sales in October rising 6.1% from the same month last year.