FEATURE: China regains pricing influence in seaborne metallurgical coal

China appears to be reasserting its pricing influence in the seaborne metallurgical coal market this year, underpinned by a resurgent appetite for premium cargoes as extensive domestic mine closures have underscored an unabated shortage. Sources expect the seaborne met coal market in the fourth quarter to be highly sensitive to developments in China's supply landscape.

Australian benchmark surges Serving as a global market bellwether - bolstered by its supply dominance - Australian metallurgical coal posted sharp price gains in August. According to Mysteel's assessment, the price of Australian premium low-volatile (PLV) hard coking coal climbed by a cumulative $53/wmt from August 5 to settle at