Big tire shortage, unfavorable exchange rates, rising production and transportation costs and now this…..

摘要

The mood wasn't quite as upbeat as in the past when Fording Canadian Trust CEO Jim. Popowich fielded questions from investors during the company's third quarter conference call. It isn 't enough that Fording and other Canadian coal producers are grappling with the problems of a big tire shortage, unfavorable exchange rates, soaring production costs and rising transportation rates - throw in market erosion due to competition from lower priced PCI and semi-soft coals. "We've seen a shift in global supply balance due to the increased use of lower-quality, lower-priced coals at integrated steel mills," Popowich said. "To respond to these challenges, Elk Valley Coal will increase its focus on producing consistently high quality products to meet the needs for the highest quality hard coking coal requirements of its customers."