Russian integrated steel producers NLMK, Severstal and MMK increased raw material production in 2020.

China's transport ministry is expecting a big fall in travel during the lunar new year period.

China imported 3.57mn t of coking coal last month, down by 4pc from 3.72mn t in November.

Weak Polish thermal coal imports early in 2021 could tighten availability of fine grades, which until recently were oversupplied in the country.

The Argus weekly domestic US HRC index was flat at $1,200/st ex-works Midwest last week. Lead times fell to 7-8 weeks from 8-9 weeks.

Japan's coking coal imports rose in December to an eight-month high on increased shipments from Indonesia, underpinned by the strong recovery of Japan's steel industry.

China Taiyuan coal transaction price index stood at 143.89 points Monday, down 0.12 percent week on week.

The last increase was on 8 January, making this the fifth offer hike since mid-November last year of a total of €200/t.