Platts to review Australian thermal coal export price assessments

Platts, part of S&P Global Commodity Insights, is launching a market consultation and seeking feedback on its methodology for assessing the value of thermal coals exported from Australia, basis FOB Newcastle.

Specifically, Platts will be reviewing its FOB Newcastle price assessment for thermal coal grade 5,500 kcal/kg NAR 20% ash [AAVUW00], with a view to its possible discontinuation. Market feedback suggests a lack of liquidity for this grade.

The assessment appears on Platts Coal Trader International, and on fixed pages GCI0410 and PEP0910. Additionally, Platts is seeking general feedback on liquidity and relevance of all thermal coal grades assessed on FOB Newcastle basis. Platts will continue to publish all its FOB Newcastle grades throughout the market consultation, including 5,500 kcal/kg NAR 23% ash [AAVVB00], which reflects the highest volume thermal coal exported from Australia on a FOB Newcastle basis.

Please send all feedback, comments, and questions to coal@spglobal.com and pricegroup@spglobal.com by March 20. For written comments, please provide a clear indication if comments are not intended for publication by Platts for public viewing. Platts will consider all comments received and will make comments not marked as confidential available upon request.