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China is building renewable energy capacity at extraordinary speed, yet coal still underpins close to half of its electricity generation. So what is really driving the latest rise in coal imports?
In Episode 3 of Current Intelligence, Maria Bertzeletou, Senior Market Analyst at Signal Research, is joined by Esther Chua, Senior Dry Bulk Analyst, to examine China’s energy paradox and its implications for seaborne coal trade.
They explore why July’s import rebound reflected falling domestic production rather than a sudden surge in demand, how mine safety inspections and hydropower generation are influencing buying decisions, and why the balance between Indonesian and Australian coal matters for shipping.
The discussion also looks beyond headline import volumes to tonne mile demand, vessel days and Pacific Panamax positioning, revealing why weaker imports do not always translate into weaker vessel employment.
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