DAILY: Indonesian thermal coal firms, but upside remains capped

Indonesian spot thermal coal is expected to gain momentum this week, supported by limited availability and active cargo procurement by certain countries. However, market participants caution that any price rally is likely to be mild and unsustainable, as top buyer China remains sidelined and Middle East tensions tend to ease.

On April 7, Mysteel assessed Indonesian 3,800 kcal/kg NAR thermal coal at $60.2/tonne FOB Kalimantan, up by $0.2/t from the previous trading session. The 4,700 kcal/kg and 5,000 kcal/kg NAR grades each rosed $0.5/t to $77.5/t and $80.5/t. Prices showed signs of stabilization late last week, with stronger seller sentiment