China and India Ramp Up Thermal Coal Imports as Winter Demand Looms

Group 1: Thermal Coal Imports - China's thermal coal imports reached 30.96 million tons in November, up from 29.18 million tons in October, but down by 38.19 million tons year-on-year for November 2024 [1] - India's thermal coal imports increased to 13.01 million tons in November from 12.38 million tons in October, marking an annual increase from 12.24 million tons in November 2024 [2] Group 2: Coal Prices and Demand - International coal prices rebounded by 37% in October from July lows due to increased demand from China, despite a 2.3% decline in domestic coal production [3] - India's coal production also fell by 8.5% in October, reflecting lower demand from the power generation sector [4] Group 3: Future Outlook - China anticipates record electricity demand this winter, which is expected to increase coal consumption for power and heating [5] - In India, rising solar power output is prompting adjustments in coal power plant operations to accommodate additional supply [5]