Asia’s Imports of Thermal Coal Ramp Up Amid Energy Supply Disruptions
Thermal coal consumption across Asia is accelerating following energy market disruptions triggered by geopolitical instability centered in the Middle East. Regional seaborne import volumes for June are forecast to reach their highest level in six months at 77.37 million tons, with growth notably driven by Japan and South Korea. The two Asian countries were more capable of rapidly switching between coal and liquefied natural gas based on price signals and supply availability than their neighbors. This regional acceleration stems from geopolitical shocks that dramatically reshaped energy economics throughout Asia. American military attacks on Iran prompted Tehran to restrict shipping through…
