DAILY: China's portside thermal coal market edges into stalemate

China's portside thermal coal market settled into a quiet stalemate on June 8, with traders unwilling to cut prices despite weak demand, while buyers remained on the sidelines, relying on long-term contract coal.

Sentiment at northern ports turned cautious, with most market participants pausing to await clearer direction, sources said. Actual transactions remained scarce, reflecting a widening gap between sellers' asking prices and buyers' willingness to pay. On Monday, Mysteel assessed 5,500 kcal/kg NAR thermal coal at northern ports at Yuan 861/tonne ($127/t)