DAILY: China's thermal coal edges higher as port stocks fall

China's thermal coal prices at northern transfer ports edged slightly higher on January 30, supported by falling port inventories, although the market trading remained dented by weakening demand expectations amid the approaching Chinese New Year in mid-February.

On Friday, Mysteel assessed 5,500 kcal/kg, 5,000 kcal/kg and 4,500 kcal/kg NAR grades at Yuan 699/tonne ($100.6/t), Yuan 614/t, and Yuan 525/t, FOB northern ports with VAT, all up by Yuan 1/t from a day ago. Starting from January 23, the benchmark 5,500 kcal/kg NAR price increased only by