DAILY: China's portside thermal coal extends decline, pithead prices flat

China's thermal coal prices at northern ports fell for a fifth consecutive session on October 30, as weak buying continued to weigh on prices. Meanwhile, port stocks began to rebuild after a week of declines, adding to bearish market sentiment.

However, sources said the decline showed signs of slowing, with pithead prices stabilizing and some mines testing higher offers as a cold front boosted inland demand. This supported portside replacement costs and helped prices at northern ports gradually stabilize. On October 30, Mysteel assessed 5,500 kcal/kg NAR thermal coal at