DAILY: China's thermal coal edges up; traders hold back on fresh shipments

China's thermal coal prices at northern transfer ports ticked up on November 6, ending four straight sessions of stability, though the rebound is likely to stay modest as utilities continue to cover most needs via long-term contracts and traders refrain from building inventories at current offer levels.

On November 6, Mysteel assessed 5,500 kcal/kg NAR thermal coal at Yuan 1,018/tonne ($152.6/t) FOB northern ports, including 13% VAT, up Yuan 3/t from a day ago. The 5,000 kcal/kg NAR grade rose Yuan 2/t to Yuan 915/t and the 4,500 kcal/kg NAR grade rose Yuan 1/t to Yuan