Preview

The April 2013 edition of AfriCoal Energy Review™

provides the following data:

• South African Steam Coal exports data by destination for Feb 2012 to Jan 2013
• Saleable Production
  (Steam coal, Anthracite, Coking coal) for Feb 2012 to Jan 2013
• Local Consumption data: 
  Nov 2011 to Oct 2012
• Summary of rail and export data for
  Jan to Mar 2013

Prices slip below
U$ 80/t as trade slows

The Richards Bay average FOB coal price ticked up lightly to US$81.89/t yesterday. But no real recovery in the market is anticipated. On 22 April, a 50kt cargo of PhysRB1 coal traded on globalCOAL at US$81.00/t for delivery in May 2013. Both bids and offers stood at US$82.00/t on 24 April on globalCOAL. Prices slipped steadily during the month, falling below US$80/t last Thursday. Platts assessed the price of physical Richards Bay thermal coal basis 6,000 kcal/kg NAR and for loading within the next 7–45 day period at US$79.65/t. Earlier last week, a 50kt cargo of Phys RB1 coal traded at US$82.15/t on globalCOAL for delivery in May 2013. Lower Australian spot prices on 6000kcal/kg NAR coals are believed to be exerting downward pressure on South African prices. Price sensitive Asian buyers who would normally source 6000kcal/kg coal from South Africa are now buying the equivalent Australian Newcastle material at a lower price. Lower annual contract settlement between Japanese power utilities and Australian coal producers has lead to a significant drop in the price of higher quality Newcastle coals.

Contact Information

AfriCoal Energy Review™
Johannesburg, South Africa

info@africoalenergyreview.com

Tel +27 (0)11 485 5809
Tel +27 (0)12 333 6305
Cell +27 (0)72 596 8843
Cell +27 (0)82 494 3968