Key facts
- China's coal production fell 6.8% year-on-year in September.
- September coal imports were 43.37 million tons, down 5.7% from the previous year.
- Coal prices have rallied 24% since mid-July amid tighter supply and high demand.
China's coal production in September decreased by 6.8% year-on-year to 385 million tons, although this figure represented an increase from August. Imports also saw a year-on-year decline of 5.7% to 43.37 million tons, but were higher than August's total. Despite curbing production earlier in the year due to abundant inventories and lower demand, the trend may reverse as winter approaches and heating demand peaks. Thermal power generation in China fell 1.4% year-on-year in September. Meanwhile, global coal demand is rising, with the International Energy Agency forecasting an all-time high for this year.