Latest Update in the SMM Coal Market

[SMM Coking Coal and Coke Daily Brief] In terms of supply, coking costs decreased this week, coking plant profits increased slightly, and overall production levels remained stable; however, some coking plants experienced sluggish shipments, leading to some accumulation of coke inventory. On the demand side, after continuous restocking earlier, steel mills mostly maintained high coke inventory levels, with low restocking willingness before the Chinese New Year, mainly purchasing as needed. In summary, the coke market will remain in the doldrums before the holiday.

[SMM Coking Coal and Coke Daily Brief] Supply side, coking plants maintained normal production, but pre-holiday shipments were weak, inventory pressure gradually increased, and some coking plants accumulated coke inventory. Demand side, end-use consumption of finished steel showed no signs of recovery, steel prices fluctuated downward, steel mill profits were under pressure, market sentiment weakened further, and post-holiday is traditionally the off-season, steel mills had weak production willingness and remained cautious about coke purchasing, mainly purchasing as needed. In summary, the coke market may remain in the doldrums before the holiday.

[SMM Daily Coking Coal and Coke Brief] Supply side, coking plants maintained stable overall production and focused on active shipments, but market wait-and-see sentiment was strong, and the pace of shipments at some coking plants slowed down. Demand side, end-use demand for finished steel performed poorly, blast furnace maintenance at steel mills increased, and coupled with the fact that coke inventory at steel mills had reached reasonable levels after restocking, steel mills currently mainly purchased as needed. In summary, the coke market was generally stable with a slight fall this week.

[SMM Coking Coal and Coke Daily Brief] Supply side, sales faced obstacles, and most coking plants still experienced minor losses, leading to a decline in plant operating rates and a reduction in coke supply. However, shipments from coking plants were hindered, resulting in inventory accumulation. Demand side, steel mills increased maintenance and production cuts, and with relatively high coke inventory levels at mills, they maintained just-in-time procurement of coke. Overall, the supply-demand structure for coke appears slightly loose, and the coke market may remain stable in the short term.

[SMM Daily Coking Coal and Coke Brief] Supply side, coking plants' losses narrowed, production enthusiasm is moderate, and coke supply remains stable. However, downstream purchasing enthusiasm is weak, coking plants face sluggish shipments, and coke inventory pressure has increased. Demand side, some steel mills recently announced blast furnace maintenance plans, leading to a slight weakening in rigid coke demand. Moreover, most steel mills have completed their Chinese New Year restocking, and their coke inventory is within a reasonable range, shifting their purchasing strategy to purchasing as needed. In summary, the coke market is expected to remain stable in the short term.

[SMM Daily Coking Coal and Coke Brief] Supply side, coking plant losses narrowed, production remained relatively stable, and coke supply saw a slight increase. However, downstream procurement pace slowed down, hindering coking plant shipments. Demand side, end-use demand for finished products remained weak with sluggish sales, and blast furnace maintenance plans at steel mills increased. Most steel mills showed low restocking willingness, primarily purchasing as needed. Overall, the coke market is expected to remain stable in the short term.

[SMM Coking Coal and Coke Daily Briefing] Supply side, last week's first round of coke price increases was implemented, coke plant profits improved moderately, production enthusiasm remained moderate, and coke supply was relatively stable. Demand side, end-use demand for steel showed no improvement, steel mill profits remained weak, blast furnaces undergoing maintenance shutdowns increased, rigid demand for coke weakened, and steel mills currently adopted a purchase-as-needed strategy. Overall, coke supply and demand trended toward balance, steel mill maintenance plans increased, and the short-term coke market was expected to stabilize.

[SMM Coking Coal and Coke Daily Brief] In terms of supply, the first round of coke price increases has been implemented, significantly narrowing losses per metric ton of coke. Most coking plants maintained their original production levels, with coke supply remaining relatively stable and shipments smooth. Coke inventory at coking plants stayed low. On the demand side, with the Chinese New Year approaching, steel trading volume has noticeably decreased, dampening steel mills' production enthusiasm. Hot metal production remained at a relatively low level, and coke inventory at steel mills was at a reasonable level, leading them to purchase coke as needed. Overall, the coke market is expected to hold up well in the short term, generally stable with a slight rise.

[SMM Coking Coal and Coke Daily Brief] Supply side, after the first round of coke price increases was implemented, coking enterprises saw losses reduced, production enthusiasm improved slightly, and coke supply increased slightly. Demand side, recent rain and snow affected road transport, some steel mills with low inventory raised purchasing enthusiasm, while most other steel mills already maintained coke inventory at reasonable levels, mainly purchasing as needed. Overall, coke cost support remains strong; after the first round of increases took effect, the market still holds some bullish expectations, and the coke market is likely to hold up well in the short term, generally stable with a slight rise.

[SMM Daily Coking Coal and Coke Briefing] Supply side, some coking plants have implemented minor production cuts due to losses and environmental protection inspections, while most others maintain normal production, resulting in relatively stable coke supply. Demand side, recent rain and snow have affected road transportation, prompting some steel mills with low inventory to increase purchasing activity; however, most other steel mills already have coke inventories at reasonable levels and primarily purchase as needed. Overall, coke costs provide strong support, and coking plants are cutting output due to losses. In the short term, the coke market may hold up well, and the first round of coke price increases may be implemented on Friday.