In April this year, the price of a ton of coking coal in the Russian domestic market rose by an average of about one quarter, reaching 7 to 15 thousand rubles depending on the brand. This figure refers to the coal price before value added tax, and the assessment is based on a calculation that uses FCA terms — meaning the seller’s freight responsibility ends at a designated loading point. Analysts from Metals & Mining Intelligence describe the trend as a combination of a weaker ruble and elevated export quotations, with the early April period showing a pronounced jump relative to March.
During the first week of April, the Russian market saw a broad uptick in coking coal concentrate prices, driven by the same mix of currency depreciation and strong global demand that is shaping export markets. Experts note that the FCA framework, which centers on delivery to the seller’s indicated location, is the basis for these price calculations and that the currency shift has amplified the effect on domestic quotes.
Meanwhile, a major business publication reported that by the end of 2022, Japanese buyers had reduced their reliance on Russian coal. Over the course of a year, the share of Russian coal in their mix declined by roughly 45 percent, signaling a material shift in regional supply chains and procurement strategies in response to evolving energy, trade, and geopolitical considerations. [citation attributed to market analysts and industry observers]