CCTD Weekly Review - China (07/07-07/13)
Time:2025-07-15 17:36:27 Source:CCTD
Edited and Updated by Ethan Ma
July 15, 2025
Ports: Supported by seasonal high temperatures, daily coal consumption at power plants increased significantly. Market demand grew steadily, inventories declined, and bullish sentiment strengthened. Traders held firm on prices and were reluctant to sell, pushing spot prices at ports slightly higher.
CCTD China Coal Market Network is one of the most trusted coal industry think tanks in China, providing exclusive and extensive data coverage.
Production Areas: High seasonal daily consumption supported rigid demand for thermal coal. Additionally, production at some mines was restricted due to persistent rainfall, further strengthening price expectations among producers. Non-power sectors (e.g., chemicals, building materials) showed weaker demand, making low-calorific coal outperform high-calorific coal.
Short-Term Outlook: Coal prices are expected to rise slightly in the short term.
On one hand, peak summer electricity demand will keep daily coal burn at high levels, supporting further increases in rigid procurement demand. Port inflows remain limited due to high transportation costs, and inventories are expected to continue declining—favorable for prices.
On the other hand, power plants are still backed by long-term contracts and imported coal, limiting their price acceptance and capping upward price potential.
[Regional Breakdown]
Bohai Rim Ports:
Port prices remained firm. Anchored vessels increased while inventories continued to decline. With transportation costs persistently inverted and seasonal demand being released, traders were confident in holding prices. Weather-related production constraints at origin further tightened supply-demand dynamics. Coal prices continued to rise. Future market direction will depend on end-user demand.
East China:
Thermal coal prices rose slightly; coke prices remained stable.
In coking coal, prices at major producing regions continued to rise. Rising coking coal costs pushed many coke plants to near break-even or loss positions. Inventories at coking plants also declined, and producers showed a strong willingness to raise prices. Steel mills maintained normal procurement, with steady demand. Market fundamentals improved; future focus is on steel mill demand.
North China:
Coke prices were stable. Coking coal prices rose, strengthening cost support for coke. Inventories at coke plants fell sharply. Coke producers expressed intentions to raise prices. Steel mills were profitable and maintained strong rigid demand, with traders also entering the market. Overall demand improved; future developments depend on steel mill activity.
CCTD Data:
Compared to the previous week, coking coal prices in Shanxi rose by 0–10 RMB/ton, with prices in Linfen rising by 0–30 RMB/ton.
Thermal coal prices also saw slight increases.
Northeast and Eastern Inner Mongolia:
Prices remained stable overall. Supply of long-term contract coal was stable, and end-users continued hauling to meet rigid demand. Market sentiment was balanced.
Central-Southern China:
Coal prices rose slightly. High temperatures pushed daily coal consumption higher, and downstream demand increased. Inquiries rose as traders were supported by cost. Market sentiment was optimistic with expectations of further demand growth. However, limited price acceptance from end-users and the presence of long-term contracts and imports may restrict price increases.
As of July 3, 2025, Hubei Province's daily power consumption was 1.066 billion kWh, and peak load reached 51.33 million kW.
South China:
Imported coal prices fluctuated within a narrow range. Driven by domestic high temperatures and price advantage, inquiries and tenders for low-calorific coal remained active, although primarily based on rigid demand. End-users showed limited price acceptance, while overseas suppliers maintained firm offers due to cost support. Some coal types saw slight price increases, but overall the market remained stalemated, and traders acted cautiously.
Northwest China:
Long-term contract coal prices remained stable; market coal prices edged higher. Some producing areas were impacted by rain, limiting coal production. Coupled with rising daily consumption at power plants, demand for thermal coal increased. Prices were adjusted based on sales dynamics. However, speculative demand remained low, and market sentiment was mixed. Future direction depends on end-user demand.
Southwest China:
Thermal coal prices remained stable; coke market held steady.
Steel mills: Profitability was decent, driving strong production and supporting raw material procurement.
Coke plants: Feedstock costs rose significantly. With good downstream demand and falling coke inventories, producers were eager to raise prices. Market sentiment improved.
Thermal coal production was stable, with steady rigid haulage demand, keeping prices stable overall.
褰檽锟斤拷?