The globalization of the world coal market – contradictions and trends

Abstract

The article describes the global coal market as the ratio of demand and supply depending on the development of energy technologies in the historical section. The continental specificity of coal mining is given. The basic world exporters and importers of coal and their role in the sale of energy fuels are analyzed. The key coal producing countries are China, India, the USA, and Australia. The largest consumers of coal products are China, India, Japan and Korea. There are unconditional leaders in the export coal market: Indonesia and Australia. In addition, a comparison of large coal companies and their share in the world market is presented. The features of coal supplies are analyzed in accordance with international rules (Incoterms), which regulate the rights and obligations of the buyer when conducting international trade, as well as determine the moment of transfer of risks from the seller to the buyer. The following supply bases were characterized: FOB (Free On Board), FAS (Free Alongside Ship), CIF (Cost Insurance and Freight), DAP (Delivered At Place), FCA (Free Carrier) etc. Trends in the logistics component of the global coal industry are revealed. Logistic of coal supply chains in comparison with other energy fuels and their features are disclosed. The problem of profitability of mines and their effectiveness is presented. Assessment of the environmental components of coal use in industry and energy is analyzed. It was noted that on the background of the trend to protect the environment and promote renewable energy, coal is becoming less popular in developed countries. This trend is further exacerbated by state subsidies for green energy.