Cement market strength supports Chinese coal

摘要

China’s cement prices increased sharply this month as activ- ity resumed in the construction sector, potentially supporting domestic coal prices. Cement producers in Zhejiang, Anhui, Jiangsu and Jiangxi provinces raised their asking prices for cement clinker by 20- 30 yuan/t recently. The move came as construction projects restarted in various regions after the rainy and hot summer season in July and August. Higher cement prices are likely to raise the price that cement producers will pay for coal.