FEATURE: Chinese buyers stay sidelined for seaborne met coal as uncertainties build

Source: Mysteel May 19, 2026 15:10

Chinese importers have retreated to the sidelines in the seaborne metallurgical coal market since late last week, as a host of pending factors have dampened buying urgency and heightened caution over the near-term outlook.

A key factor behind Chinese met coal buyers' cautious stance is the expectation of fresh market signals from US President Donald Trump's state visit to Beijing on May 13–15, which could steer policy shifts in both the macroeconomy and commodity trade. Expectations of China cutting import tariffs on US coal