WEEKLY: China's thermal coal prices firm on robust buying

China's spot prices for thermal coal at northern transfer ports continued to firm during the week of September 18-20, shortened by China's Mid-Autumn Festival holiday over September 15-17, as restocking activity from end buyers remained buoyant, Mysteel data suggests.

As of September 20, Mysteel's assessment for 5,500 kcal/kg, 5,000 kcal/kg, and 4,500 kcal/kg NAR thermal coal grades stood at Yuan 870/tonne ($123.4/t), Yuan 775/t, and Yuan 680/t, respectively, FOB northern ports with VAT, each up by Yuan 15/t from a week earlier. Since September 4, prices for 5,500