According to Kallanish, global coking coal prices showed moderate growth in mid-May, already influencing the expectations of steel market participants. As of May 15, 2026, premium coking coal FOB Australia is valued at $240.2/t compared to $238.9/t a week earlier, while in China, EXW Anze quotes reached $238.8/t compared to $233.8/t at the end of the previous week. For steelmakers, this indicates continued cost pressure, while for buyers of steel and rolled metal products, it highlights the need for more careful short-term procurement planning.
Price Dynamics and Market Factors
Since April 17, the price of coking coal FOB Australia has risen by 1.2%, while on the Chinese EXW Anze market, the increase has reached 7.1%. Australian seaborne quotes between May 8-15 were supported by limited supply, although buyer activity remained restrained. In China, the market continues to rise due to stable trade and an increase in coke prices during the week. At the same time, market participants do not see enough momentum for a prolonged and sharp price spike.
According to a Mysteel survey conducted May 11-15, sentiment in the Chinese coking coal market remains cautiously optimistic. Most participants expect further fluctuations within a narrow range but at relatively high levels. This assessment is explained by the fact that supply and demand currently appear relatively balanced. Additionally, expectations are influenced by the position of coke producers considering new price increases, though steel companies have not yet supported this scenario due to the recent decline in steel product prices in China.
Impact on the Steel Market and Solutions from winox.ua
The rising cost of coking coal is a significant signal for the entire metallurgical supply chain, as this raw material directly affects the cost of pig iron and steel smelting. If the upward trend persists, steel producers may gradually pass on some of the costs into the prices of finished products, including rolled metal. For industrial consumers, this emphasizes the importance of timely contracting and inventory management. An additional factor supporting prices in India could also be the expectation of rising freight rates.
In such conditions, it is critical for businesses to work with a supplier that ensures predictable procurement and stable delivery terms. As a supplier of rolled metal, stainless steel, and non-ferrous metals, winox.ua helps clients mitigate the risks of price fluctuations through reliable service and a balanced approach to order fulfillment. Amid rising raw material costs, this has practical significance for manufacturing, construction, and engineering companies planning budgets and project timelines. This is why market monitoring of raw materials becomes not just an analytical tool, but a part of an effective procurement strategy.
What This Means for Industrial Buyers in the Near Future
The current market picture suggests that participants do not yet expect a sharp jump in quotes; however, the high price level persists. For companies dependent on steel and rolled metal supplies, this means a need to review procurement schedules and closely monitor raw material costs in the global chain. This is especially relevant for segments where the share of metal in the cost of production is substantial. In the near term, key indicators will remain the supply-demand balance in China, the policy of coke producers, and the dynamics of logistics costs.