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Chinese imports, chinese steel industry, coal imports, coal industry, coal markets, coal shipping, iron ore imports, iron ore markets, iron ore shipping
Chinese imports, a barometer for assessing iron ore, fell by 30% in February of this year, to 61.2 million tons. The first two months of 2014 were better than the same time period a year ago, but February numbers are at the lowest level since March of 2013. Following suit, iron ore prices have also fallen from $135 per ton at the beginning of the year to its current level of approximately $105 per ton. The falling price of iron ore has reignited the Chinese appetite for importing iron ore, and stockpiles at Chinese ports are climbing again reaching 99mt, versus an all-time high of 101mt in 2012.
The US coal industry looks to be performing very well at the moment, but industry experts do not expect the numbers to hold up. For three consecutive years, the US has exported more than 100 million tons of coal, reaching a level of approximately 118 million tons in 2013. But, the US may have reached its peak, as 2015 projections show only 99 million tons to be exported due to a weakening economy in Europe, slowdown in demand from Asian markets and the availability of coal from other countries which will drive down prices and hence US coal exports.
India’s coal imports in February 2014 were 20% higher than in February 2013, jumping to 11.6 million tons. India, which receives most of its coal shipments from Indonesia, is using coal primarily to fire its power plants. A combination of lower prices and a stronger rupee has contributed to India’s increasing imports.
Very nice and interesting ideea. I really like it.
The US coal industry looks to be performing very well at the moment, but industry experts do not expect the numbers to hold up.
A lot of economists are forecasting lower demand for iron ore due to the slow down in China and other emerging economies. Have to wait for the next upturn in the business cycle to buy iron ore related stocks.
At least the US can be proud of one of its industries. Surprising to see coal at such a high export rate when it is a vastly inferior form of fuel compared to nowaday methods.
Steady as she goes, the raw materials are still heading East as production and manufacturing thrives therein.
India loading up on coal? Why isn’t it really hot over there already. haha i kid. I’ll have to do some research but i thought coal was an energy resource of the past. I guess i don’t see it used much but apparently it still is. keep up the great articles.
its really informative i love to read these things,
Shocked to see that Iron ore fell 30%!
Good news for India that the rupee is doing well, it is obviously having a good knock on effect if imports are increasing.
The Coal industry is making great progress at the moment however, experts are stating they do not expect the numbers to continue to hold up
good news for India that the rupee is doing well, it is obviously having a good knock on effect if imports are increasing.
They describe a weakening economy in Europe, but the U.S is no better. In fact, it’s probably much worse. There is nothing appealing to export from the U.S because they don’t produce anything. I doubt China will want to import from them since the U.S is in debt to them.
I wonder if China will be the first nation to mine Iron on another world?
The race is on. Right?
Surprised to see coal performing so well.
I believe that situation in USA is not such better, but I needs statistical data to be sure. However, the article is great. Keep up with it.
china is really making it big, i like this
I’d have thought coal would be at a high considering it’s running out very quickly, nuclear energy is certainly the way forward, reliable, less pollution and a much smaller mass is required for similar energy levels.
Shocked to see the China numbers. Perhaps, this further shows the general economic slowdown within the China Market?