Coal, Metals & Mining, Metallurgical Coal, Ferrous

June 15, 2026

Platts consults on Atlantic metallurgical hard coking coal assessments

Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, is seeking feedback from market participants on its methodology for Atlantic metallurgical hard coking coal assessments.

Platts currently publishes daily assessments for Atlantic low vol hard coking coal (AAWWR00), high-vol A (AAWWS00) and high-vol B (AAWWT00) hard coking coal on an FOB US East coast basis.

Platts invites feedback on the current methodology, including but not limited to the following:

  • Brand categorization: If categorizing coking coal brands under high-vol A and high vol-B is still representative of market dynamics or if a different categorization is warranted.
  • Trade flows for FOB US East Coast: In light of observed changes to trade flows, where there is increasing spot liquidity for FOB US East Coast cargoes being sold to the Indian market on a CFR basis, the representativeness of CFR India trades for Atlantic low vol hard coking coal assessments and/or other alternative trade flows as a suitable representation.
  • Brand-specific assessments: Are price differentials between coking coals based on value-in-use (VIU) principles or if a spot market pricing approach is more representative, and the need for Platts to be publishing brand-specific assessments.
  • New assessments for Baltimore and/or Mobile Port or for mid-vol HCC: If new assessments (quality and/or location) basis Baltimore and/or Mobile Port or a stand-alone US mid-vol hard coking coal assessment are needed to reflect liquidity in the current spot market and specifications to be considered.

The current assessment specifications are as follows:

Assessment Code Quality Quantity Incoterm Location Timing Payment UOM
Low-Vol Hard Coking Coal AAWWR00 58% CSR, 19.25% VM, 8% TM, 8.25% ash, 0.95% sulfur Min. 10,000 mt FOB Hampton Roads, US Loading 14-60 days forward L/C at sight $/mt
High-Vol A Hard Coking Coal AAWWS00 32.25% VM, 8% TM, 7.5% ash, 0.95% sulfur, 30,000 ddpm max fluidity, 1.05 MMR, 220% dilatation Min. 10,000 mt FOB Hampton Roads, US Loading 14-60 days forward L/C at sight $/mt
High-Vol B Hard Coking Coal AAWWT00 36% VM, 8% TM, 8% ash, 1% sulfur, 25,000 ddpm max fluidity, 0.95 MMR, 160% dilatation Min. 10,000 mt FOB Hampton Roads, US Loading 14-60 days forward L/C at sight $/mt

Full specifications for Platts Metallurgical coal assessments can be found in the Global Metallurgical Coal specifications guide, available here.

The assessments are published in SBB Steel Markets Daily, Coal Trader International, Coal Trader and on fixed pages STL1160 and PMA1160.The assessments can also be accessed through Platts Core.

Please send any questions, comments or feedback by Sept. 24 to EMEAMetalsTeam@spglobal.com and pricegroup@spglobal.com.

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.