Russia overtook Colombia in Turkey's coal market
Turkey increased imports of Russian thermal coal in June by 73% compared to the same month in 2019, to 1.6 million tons, according to the country's national statistics agency. Russian suppliers have managed to squeeze out Colombian exporters and become leaders in the Turkish market.
Colombia, which for many years was the largest supplier of thermal coal to Turkey, in June reduced exports to this country by 40%, to 1 million tons. Colombian coal companies have significantly reduced production this year due to falling prices for solid fuels in the European market and restrictions associated with the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result, Turkish energy and industrial enterprises are increasing their purchases of coal from Russia to avoid disruption of solid fuel supplies. In addition, Russian suppliers offer consumers in Turkey more attractive prices than other manufacturers, according to market participants.
The main volume of coal that was delivered to Turkey in June was mined by SDS-Ugol. Russian suppliers also sent to this country large consignments of solid fuel from the resource of the mining companies SUEK and Kuzbassrazrezugol.
In general, in the first half of the year, steam coal imports to Turkey increased by 2% compared to the same period in 2019, to 14.4 million tons. Shipments from Russia rose 14% to 5.8 million tonnes, while shipments from Colombia rose 5.7% to 8.4 million tonnes.