According to data cited by Bloomberg, the benchmark price of coal in Qinhuangdao dropped to 803 yuan per ton yesterday (the 12th), approaching the breakeven point after considering the costs of remote western coal mines and transportation, marking its lowest level since June of last year, when coal prices briefly fell below 800 yuan.

Reports indicate that Coal prices in China have cumulatively dropped 14% from their high earlier this year, with market reports suggesting that the inventory levels of public utility Institutions have reached new highs, leading to suppressed demand, while domestic industrial demand remains weak. The Lunar New Year will arrive at the end of January next year, and it is anticipated that economic activity will decrease then, which may cause coal prices to decline further.