Third quarter settlement not yet done but some suppliers already worried about 4Q deal

摘要

U.S. met coal suppliers trying desperately to remain viable with several mines being jeopardized by falling prices are wondering how devastating the potential new numbers will be. With consumers like Nippon Steel reportedly balking at a quarterly benchmark offering of $l47/metric ton by BHP Billiton, the next settlement might fall even lower. That's simply unacceptable to many U.S. producers, who, due to high production costs, will see their potential pricing numbers slip to levels that are expected to force more shut-downs in output.