WEEKLY: China's portside thermal coal holds steady as tight supply meets waning demand

China's market for thermal coal at northern transfer ports entered a holding pattern during the week of August 17-21 as the summer demand peak has passed. The market now sits at a crossroads, where the peak demand season is winding down, while mine-safety inspections are keeping supply relentlessly tight.

On August 20, Mysteel assessed the benchmark 5,500 kcal/kg NAR thermal coal at Yuan 860/tonne ($126.7/t) FOB northern ports with VAT, down Yuan 1/t from a week earlier. The 5,000 kcal/kg NAR grade also fell Yuan 1/t to Yuan 770/t, while the 4,500 kcal/kg NAR grade was stable at