DAILY: China's thermal coal market stays flat amid pricing standoff

China's thermal coal market at northern ports remained broadly stable on May 18, with prices steady at elevated levels as expectations of a demand recovery later this month encourages sellers to keep offers firm, even though trading activity remained subdued.

On Monday, Mysteel assessed 5,500 kcal/kg, 5,000 kcal/kg, and 4,500 kcal/kg NAR thermal coal at Yuan 835/tonne ($122.8/t), Yuan 748/t, and Yuan 651/t, respectively, FOB northern ports with VAT, all unchanged for six consecutive trading sessions. The benchmark 5,500 kcal/kg NAR grade was 21% higher from the beginning of