Weekly US coal output rises to highest level so far this year: EIA

Coal exports from terminals in Virginia's Hampton Roads region totaled slightly more than 1.8 million st in August, up 7.5% from July but down 8.1% from the year-ago month, according to figures released Thursday by the Virginia Maritime Association. On a year-to-date basis, exports from the three terminals in the region totaled 14.4 million st, down 25% compared with the same period last year.

While Atlantic seaborne prices for both thermal and metallurgical coal have increased in recent months, the higher valuations have yet to spur increased US export activity.

Lambert's Point, also known as Pier 6, exported 628,939 st in August, down 24% from July and down 42% from last year.

The Norfolk, Virginia terminal -- which is owned and operated by Norfolk Southern -- has exported 6.4 million st so far this year, down 20% compared with the year-ago period.

Kinder Morgan's Pier IX, based in Newport News, Virginia, exported 593,059 st in August, up 93% from the previous month and up 143% compared with the year-ago month. Exports on a year-to-date basis total 2.9 million st, down 35% from last year.

Dominion Terminal Associates, also based in Newport News, exported 622,468 st in August, up 6.7% from the prior month but down 8.1% from last year.

The terminal, which is owned by Arch Coal, Peabody Energy and Contura Energy, has exported 5.2 million st through August, down 25% from last year.