DAILY: Chinese demand lifts domestic and import thermal coal markets

China's thermal coal demand roared back to life this week, driving a sharp climb in both domestic and seaborne import prices. Traders at China's northern and southern ports expressed growing optimism for further price hikes in the near term.

The domestic thermal coal market was firmly underpinned by price hikes at major mining hubs on Tuesday, since inland power utilities ramped up coal procurements to meet the growing heating needs in winter. According to Mysteel's assessment, in Ordos, northern China's Inner Mongolia, the price of 4,500 kcal/kg NAR grade