Thailand's coal imports leapt 20% in Q1 and the country looks set to import its largest ever volume in 2011. In total coal imports reached 4.5 million tonne in the quarter relatively small when compared to the big players like Japan, China and South Korea but considering this is more than the total imports for the whole year just a decade ago the growth is notable.

The emphasis this year has been on the steam coal side with imports ahead by 29% and more than compensating for the 9% drop in coking coal requirements. With a further 660 MW of coal capacity due to come on-stream in November at the Gheco one plant it seems as if coal imports will be increasing for the next two years at least.

(Sourced from ICAP Shipping)