AME has released its 2003 Export Coal Strategic Study report, forecasting protracted price negotiations between coal buyers and sellers.
Coking and thermal coal stockpiles are growing but sellers are keen to protect margins against a US dollar devaluation.
The study predicts prices will fall, particularly for thermal coal, and that the Asia-Pacific markets are tending towards more spot and tender purchases. International coal trade is expected to pick up by 2.8 per cent. BHP Billiton holds 10 per cent of the total export coal market.