Polish coal exports fell sharply in the first half of this year, as the country's production continued to decline and domestic demand increased.

Poland's leading exporter Weglokoks exported 4.3 million tonne in the first half of this year, just half the level of its exports in the same period one year earlier. The decline represents a major U turn from the upward trend in Polish exports last year, with total exports rising by around 30% to 8.7 million tonne. The decline has affected all types of coal, but thermal coal exports were hit particularly hard.

The Polish firm said that Weglokoks shipped only 2 million tonne of thermal coal in January to June, a 54% decline year on year. Exports of coking coal declined less dramatically by 27% year on year to 389,000 tonne.

According to Weglokoks figures, in terms of transport, the decline in exports particularly affected seaborne deliveries but rail transport also fell. Seaborne deliveries dropped by 62% on the year to less than 1.2 million tonne. Rail shipments declined by 35% to 840,000tonne.

According to Polish economy ministry figures, the trader is declining shipments as it receives less coal from domestic producers. Polish coal production fell by 5% on year in January to April this year with the decline mainly affecting thermal coal.

(Sourced from argusmedia.com)