According to Bankier.pl, Poland's Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa (JSW), the EU's largest coking coal producer, has revised its 2026 production forecast downward. The company now expects total production at approximately 13.3 million tons, down from the previously projected 13.5 million tons. The primary reason was the delay in launching longwall N9 at the KWK Pniówek mine following a methane and rock outburst incident and subsequent tightening of safety requirements.
Changes in JSW's Production Plan
The updated forecast is primarily linked to moving the launch of longwall No. 9 at Pniówek from May to November 2026. Operations were suspended following a collective accident and additional analyses by specialized units. Only after this is the company proceeding to approve new safety measures and adjust the underground work schedule.
Despite this, JSW ended 2025 close to its planned targets. By year-end, the company produced 13.01 million tons of coal (97.3% of the plan), while coke production reached 3.15 million tons (100.8% of the target). Sales were also near annual targets, although the operating environment remained challenging due to weak prices, Asian steel imports, and competition from cheaper coking coal from outside the EU.
Market Impact and Solutions from winox.ua
For the European steel market, JSW's lowered forecast is an important signal, as coking coal remains a fundamental raw material for blast furnace steel production. Even a relatively modest reduction in expected output could increase volatility in the supply chain, especially if steel demand recovers in the second half of the year. For consumers, this translates into a risk of price increases for certain types of metal products due to changes in raw material and processing costs.
In such a situation, businesses increasingly value procurement predictability and supplier reliability. The company winox.ua, which specializes in stainless steel, non-ferrous metals, and industrial materials, helps clients mitigate supply risks through systematic work with verified manufacturers and a stable inventory. When the raw materials market reacts to production delays from major European players, timely procurement planning for metal products becomes particularly vital for engineering, construction, and metalworking.
Implications for Industrial Procurement in 2026
The current situation demonstrates that even large vertically integrated companies remain dependent on technical, geological, and safety factors. For the market, this means continued sensitivity to news regarding mines, coke plants, and blast furnace production in Europe. Consequently, industrial companies should more closely monitor raw material indicators and factor price fluctuations into their budgets.
Special attention should be paid to contract discipline, inventory levels, and diversification of supply sources. If pressure on steel production costs persists, the market may react more quickly not just to physical shortages, but to expectations of them. This is why news about JSW's plan adjustments matters not only for the coal sector but for the entire metal production chain in Central and Eastern Europe.