Metallurgical Coal: What to look for in 2020

Moving into 2020 after a Jekyll and Hyde year in 2019, expect a cautious rebound in global economic growth underpinned by Chinese and Indian government stimulus and the recent Phase 1 trade deal between the US and China. The speculation surrounding IMO 2020 impacts ends as ships face sulphur compliance 1 January. This could be the year China reaches peak steel production. On the back of a record hot metal demand forecast, the country will look to impose another round of annual import quotas as the government balances between supporting domestic supply and importing high quality coals. Suppliers face growing pains as the world's eyes are firmly focused on fossil fuel development. The dawn of a new decade brings a coming (re)evolution in coal mining and green steel production. We examine what to look for in the seaborne metallurgical coal trade during 2020, highlighting our top seven themes.