Seaborne prices weaken at start of year

摘要

Asia-Pacific spot FOB metallurgical coal prices have been lackluster in the first half of January, slumping around $23-$24/mt. Bearish Chinese steel market sentiment is also affecting the met coal market with the long Lunar New Year holiday in early February also deterring too much activity. S&P Global Platts assessed Premium Low-Vol HCC down $5.50/mt on week to $196.50/mt FOB Australia in the second week of January, while delivered prices to China were down $3.50/mt on week to $200.50/mt CFR China.Prices are now back to where they were in September last year.