Polish coal exports soar

Poland’s coal exports between January and August increased by 80% to 7.7 million t, with most exports going to Germany, according to the Economy Ministry.

The company’s mostly state-owned mines are struggling with high costs that have made domestic supplies more expensive than imports.

As a result, exports have increased, and stockpiles have been created. At the end of August, these stockpiles amounted to 8.4 million t, up 3% from 2012.

In H1 2013, Germany was the major recipient of Polish coal, buying 1.7 million t. The Czech Republic purchased 0.8 million t, while France and Britain each imported approximately 0.5 million t of Polish coal.

Profits at Polish mines are expected to slump to near break-even in 2013 due to falling coal prices.

Edited from various sources by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/mining/21102013/polish_coal_exports_soar_157/