China's raw coal output tops 200 million tons in July

China's raw coal output stands at 203.403 million tons in July, up 8.2 percent year on year and standing above signpost 200 million tons for fourth months in a row, according to Aug. 28 data by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).

NDRC describes that the country's coal production in July as "stable", railway coal transportation "rises fast" and coal export keeps at "high level".

In July, coal prices at upstream producers maintained stable, with the price of the coal with a calorific value of 5,800 kcal/kg in coal-producing Shanxi kept at 280 yuan per ton (tax excluded).

Prices at key distribution markets saw slight rises. In July, steam coal with a calorific value of 5,500 kcal/kg and 5,000 kcal/kg at Qinhuangdao port were respectively priced at 452-457 yuan per ton and 415-420 yuan per ton, up five yuan from June.

Coal prices at major coal consumption markets in east China and south China maintained unchanged generally.

Some 107.136 million tons of coal were shipped to downstream markets by railway in July, up 15.5 percent year on year, while port coal transportation managed a year-on-year rise of 18.7 percent with a coal shipment volume of 41.474 million tons.

In July, the country exported 4.869 million tons of coal, up 1. 4 percent from a year ago but down 19.7 tons from June.