WEEKLY: China's thermal coal edges higher, but price haggling intensifies

China's portside thermal coal market edged higher in the week of April 6-10, supported by tightening port inflows and elevated import costs. However, gains remained limited as weak seasonal consumption continued to constrain buying interest.

Portside prices posted mild increases over the week. As of April 10, Mysteel assessed the benchmark 5,500 kcal/kg NAR thermal coal at Yuan 764/tonne ($111.8/t) FOB northern ports with VAT, up Yuan 5/t on week. Demand fundamentals remained soft within the week. Coal consumption at power plants declined further amid