Asia's imports of seaborne thermal coal climbed to 75.77 million metric tons in October from 70.29 million in September, according to data compiled by commodity analysts Kpler.
The October volume was also above the 69.63 million metric tons imported in the same month last year.
While physical demand for seaborne thermal coal is solid in Asia, the same can't be said for prices.
China mainly buys thermal coal from the two biggest exporters, Indonesia and Australia.
Overall, the combination of weaker Chinese domestic prices and waning European demand may prove sufficient to keep pressure on seaborne thermal coal prices in Asia, even if volumes remain solid.
Persons:
Loren Elliott, Shri Navaratnam
Organizations:
Rights, Argus, Newcastle, Reuters, Thomson
Locations:
Owen, Ravensworth, Australia, Rights LAUNCESTON, Asia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Beijing, Canberra, Europe, Ukraine, Turkey, South Africa, U.S