Russian coal export opportunity stifled by low demand

The devaluation of Russian Rouble in late-2014 provided much-needed cost relief and margin boost to Russian coal exporters. The initial surge in exports that followed the devaluation was subsequently largely stifled by mid-2015 by high Rouble cost inflation, increased domestic coal prices, Rouble strengthening against US$ and, more importantly, the ever-weakening demand for coal in the seaborne market, particularly into China.