RICHMOND: Coal exports from terminals in Virginia’s Hampton Roads region totaled 1.7 million st in July, down 13.4% from June and 42.6% lower than the year-ago month, data from the Virginia Maritime Association showed Wednesday.
While the association does not comment on its monthly figures, the weak export market has limited new shipments. In addition, monthly and yearly comparisons are also down due to expiring contracts that mostly aren’t being renewed, according to market sources.
The July total was the lowest amount this year, and the lowest monthly amount since May 2009.
While US coal exports peaked in 2012 at 125.7 million st, they are expected to total just 89 million st in 2015, according to the latest estimate from the US Energy Information Administration.
