Chinese steelmakers cut production

The Balaka-Lilongwe railway now enables coal imports from Mozambique’s Tete Province, where Indian companies have bought mines to supply coal to India.

Liquified natural gas is unlikely to displace coal in China’s energy transition, as the country prioritises domestic energy sources over imported LNG.

Drewry forecasts a 3.3% rise in Capesize shipping demand in 2024, driven by increased coal exports from Colombia to Asia, offsetting reduced European demand.

Between January and August, India’s coal shipments rose 10% y/y, driven by strong electricity demand, but hydropower recovery may reduce future coal demand.

The Panama Canal’s operational issues led some bulk shippers to choose alternative routes, with future decisions based on capacity and transit assurances.

Russia plans to double the Lavna port’s rail capacity from 18 to 36-41 million tonnes annually, aiming to diversify trade routes and boost coal exports.