WASHINGTON: The US market is expecting coking coal export volumes may grow in 2017 to recover from a recent contraction, but the jury is still out on any return to the “good old days” of 2011-2012. The exports a source of increasing debate and interest helping determine overall global balance of supply and pricing for mainstay US exporters.
Ahead of December US government trade data out this month, November 2016’s strong export volume for met coal is expected to be a precursor for a rise in volumes in a reaction to stronger global prices in Q4 2016, sources said at an industry event in Miami. “The first half should be strong for exports, the second half is uncertain,” said an industry source close to the US ports.
