Coking coal prices averaged $US200 ($320) per tonne in December, marking a 2.3% fall from November, according to Spain-based consultancy Focus Economics.
The end of year benchmark for metallurgical coal traded as low $US187 per tonne on 31 December, a 7.9% drop compared to 29 November.
Australia’s Department of Industry, Sciences and Resources has forecast steelmaking coal to remain at sub-US$200 per tonne levels over the medium term with a forecast of US$210 set until 2027.
The latest price data marks the seventh monthly decline for coking coal, amidst broader struggles faced by the sector around concerns of the Chinese economy and industrial challenges in 2025.
Write to Dan Petrie at Mining.com.au
Images: Mining.com.au
