Russia's coal exports to China fall

Russia's coal shipments to China fell by almost a quarter on the year in January and February as sanctions and trade-related duties weighed, customs data showed last week, reports Reuters.

Most of Russia's lost market share was replaced by higher shipments from Australia and Mongolia, with China's overall coal imports expected to be largely flat in 2024.

China's coal shipments from Russia dropped 22 per cent to 11.49 million tons during the first two months of 2024, its General Administration of Customs said.

That was in line with estimates by a Chinese industry association last week that U.S. sanctions imposed in February targeting top exporters Suek and Mechel would affect about a fifth of Russia's coal exports.