Limited upside seen to global coal prices in 2014

摘要

International coal prices in 2014 are likely to offer little to spur US exports this year because rates are expected to increase only marginally as adverse weather, social unrest and production cuts are unlikely to sufficiently curtail incremental supply. US coal exports ended last year above where most industry members had expected but still under the record 126mn short tons (114mn metric tonnes) shipped in 2012. Legacy contracts and flexible rates from eastern railroads helped support shipments.