The most recently released data as of August 14th shows that the daily coal burn rate at China’s six major coastal power plants has come in at 923,000 tons.  This is up week-on-week by 1%, up year-on-year by 19%, and is another new record.  Coal burn has now set records during four of the last five weeks as China continues to experience warmer than usual temperatures and, in some places, new records. 

In addition, new daily coronavirus cases and restrictions remain much lower than seen during May’s peak (although this week has seen a significant increase seen in new cases). 

Overall, China remains well supplied with thermal coal.  Unlike last year, China is still not experiencing a coal shortage.