Insight
Global thermal coal markets: 2021 in review
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Report summary
2021 was another rollercoaster year for global thermal coal markets. World economies were in recovery-mode in 2021, after a dismal year prior due to the pandemic. Stimulus spending led to a rapid recovery in coal demand from an abysmal 2020. However, coal producers were unable to keep pace, which resulted in record breaking prices. Please read on for a recap of the major events impacting thermal coal markets this year.
Table of contents
- Pandemic-driven stimulus super charged power demand
- Supply response lagged as producers recovered from 2020 lows
- Coal generation became more competitive as natural gas prices soared
- Record high coal prices in October
- COP26 plays out in stark contrast
- Scorecard for start of 2021 predictions:
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