In response to the growth of Asian demand for coal causing increase of prices from $85 to $100 per t in early January, Russia intensifies its coal export. Circa 64 m t of steam coal were exported by sea in 2009, 12 m t to China included.
In 2010, further growth of both demand and prices is expected, so 15 or even 20 m t may be delivered to Chinese customers, as mentioned by a representative of one of the significant exporters.