Domestic coke prices in China were fairly stable last week with no big changes from the previous week. There is still a lack of high-quality coking coal supply, especially because of mine accidents in some regions. The main coke contract (J1109) at Dalian Commodity Exchange was reported at $354.4/mt on July 21 - down $3/mt week on week.
Prices of coke in local markets in China
Specification |
Place of origin |
Price（RMB/mt） |
Price ($/mt) |
Weekly change（RMB/mt） |
Second grade |
Hancheng, Shaanxi |
1,800 |
279 |
0 |
Zibo, Shandong |
1,900 |
295 |
0 |
|
Pingdingshan, Henan |
1,980 |
307 |
0 |
|
Shanghai |
2,050 |
318 |
0 |
|
Huaibei, Anhui |
1,950 |
302 |
0 |
|
Average |
1,936 |
300 |
0 |
Second grade coke prices have remained unchanged in the main markets across China. The average price is offered at $300/mt in China.
Despite the upward trend in finished steel prices, steel mills are still cautious about purchasing coke. Coke enterprises in China have their inventories at medium and lower levels. This might help coke prices to move up, while it still seems difficult for coke prices to drop down as coking coal prices are at high levels. Meanwhile, coke production remains limited in Shanxi Province. Coke market prices are expected to fluctuate slightly in the coming period.