Russian coal exports have sharply declined since May of last year and are expected to reach 10.8mt, the lowest figure since February 2018.

The war with Ukraine, hindering the rail transportation of coal from mines located in the middle of the country to western ports in the Black and Baltic seas, coupled with sanctions preventing the procurement of key mining equipment and persistently low prices, is significantly impacting Russian coal exports.

Adding to the challenges, China, the largest importer of Russian coal, has recently reimposed import tariffs on coal, further exacerbating the difficulties faced by the country. Duties now stand at 6% for thermal coal and 3% for met coal.

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