* Oil falls to $99 on Norway strike end
* China imports rise 65 pct y-o-y in H1 to 140 mln T
* Market waits for Patriot Coal fallout
* Aug S.African trades at $86.50, down $2
By Jacqueline Cowhig
LONDON, July 10 (Reuters) – Physical prompt coal prices
dropped by $1 to $2 a tonne on Tuesday in line with weaker oil –
a third consecutive daily fall as buyers stayed on the
sidelines.
Daily coal price moves of $2 to $4 have been frequent during
the past month, following months of largely range-bound trading
when prices moved in cents rather than dollars.
Traders said the increased volatility has reflected the
market’s uncertainty over near-term price direction.
Oil fell to $99 a barrel on Tuesday after Norway ended a
strike that threatened to halt output and as prospects for
demand growth dimmed after China bought less oil.
Continued…
