WEEKLY: China's thermal coal decline eases, but high stocks bite

China's thermal coal market downturn slowed during the week of December 22-26, as a modest supply squeeze helped cushion the impact of persistently weak demand, according to sources.

Additional support also came from increased signs that coal inventories at northern ports are nearing a peak. Meanwhile, some fresh inquiries for the fussil fuel and expectations of cold snap this week had boosted sentiment, raising hopes for a near-term market stabilization, Mysteel Global noted. As of December 26, Mysteel's