WEEKLY: China's thermal coal prices climb as supply tightens further

China's thermal coal market strengthened again during the week of August 24-28, driven almost entirely by supply. Month-end output halts, persistent safety inspections and heavy rain across the main producing regions cut mine availability sharply, pushing both mine-mouth and port prices higher.

As of August 27, Mysteel assessed the benchmark 5,500 kcal/kg NAR thermal coal at Yuan 875/tonne ($128.9/t) FOB northern ports with VAT, up Yuan 15/t from a week earlier. The 5,000 kcal/kg and 4,500 kcal/kg NAR grades rose to Yuan 785/t and Yuan 701/t, up Yuan 15/t and Yuan