2016 was an exceptional year for coal prices. The period of decline which began in 2011, was interrupted by the rapid growth. Coal prices grew by 7-10 percent in November continuing a 24-29 percent growth in October. Since January, when the price of coal reached a 10-year low, coal prices have rebounded by about 100 percent.
This situation is attributable to several factors. First, it is the consequence of an implemented policy in China which aimed at reducing harmful emissions. China is the largest coal consumer and coal producer at the same time. The reduction in own-grown production led to the increase in coal imports. Second, not only China reduced its coal mining. Indian coal industry also had hard times. The strike of miners led to the crisis in the industry. The market was not ready for that and, as result, coal prices immediately began to soar.
Leading international agencies made the following predictions of future coal price change:
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