* China and Europe ARA each took 650,000 tonnes
* Jan-Oct exports total 50 million tonnes
(Adds quote, graphics)
By Jacqueline Cowhig
LONDON, Oct 12 (Reuters) – Asia’s share of South Africa’s
coal exports of 5.2 million tonnes in September rose t o 63
percent or 3.3 million tonnes from 55 percent in August,
exporters said.
India accounted for 1.7 million tonnes, up from 1.6 million
in August, while China’s share fell to 650,000 tonnes from
890,000 tonnes and 1.9 million tonnes was shipped to the
Atlantic market, a sharp fall from August’s 2.4 million.
Africa’s biggest economy exported around 50 million tonnes
in January-September and had just under 4 million tonnes of coal
in stockpiles at the Richards Bay Coal Terminal a week ago
.
This year, aside from a period during the summer, South
African coal FOB prices have been uncompetitively high in many
markets, but particularly Europe which was until around four
years ago its biggest market.
“India has been a strong buyer throughout the year despite
moves in prices and, although spot business has been slow
recently, we expect India to take more than 20 million tonnes
for the year as a whole,” one exporter said.
Continued…
