FOB Australia recovers from import ban

摘要

Australian premium low-vol hard coking coal prices recovered from mid-January, returning to levels last seen in October, before the China ban took effect. Countries other than China picked up the excess tons and Australia's December exports rose (see story below). Threats of operations in Queensland being disrupted in a major way due to seasonal cyclones have yet to eventuate, but the rainy season in northern Australia can last until April. Wetter than normal weather has hampered some logistics, and helped to support prices. In the ex-Chinese market, spot market trading activity slowed while buyers weighed the potential impact of ex-tropical cyclone Kimi that hit Queensland, but the cyclone was subsequently downgraded by the Bureau of Meteorology.