In August, the coke market price in China was largely stable with minor fluctuations

August 29 update

I. Price Trends

According to the commodity market analysis system: On August 29, 2025, the coke market in Shanxi region of China was operating strongly. The average price of coke in August was 1,446 CNY per ton, an increase of 7.83% compared to the same period last month. The overall market price of coke in August showed a trend of increase, with a slight rise in prices.

2. Market Analysis

Price Overview: As of August 29, metallurgical coke prices remained stable across key markets. At Tianjin Port, the market price for Grade-One coke stabilized at 1,570 CNY/ton, while Grade-One premium coke held steady at 1,670 CNY/ton—both quoted as ex-warehouse, acceptance-based prices. Meanwhile, in Qujing, coke prices continued to strengthen, with Grade-Two coke now trading at 1,845 CNY/ton and non-standard grades at 1,570 CNY/ton. All prices are quoted on a dry basis, delivered factory price, cash-inclusive, and include taxes. In Tangshan, metallurgical coke prices also stayed firm, with the mainstream market transaction prices currently at 1,845 CNY/ton for Grade-One dry-quenched coke and 1,780 CNY/ton for Grade-One premium dry-quenched coke—both delivered factory price, cash-inclusive, and tax included. In Heze, local coke prices remained unchanged, with the typical Grade-One dry-quenched coke priced at 1,705 CNY/ton, delivered factory price, cash-inclusive, and including taxes. Finally, in Yichun, metallurgical coke prices stayed stable, with Grade-One metallurgical coke quoted at 1,750 CNY/ton and Grade-Two metallurgical coke at 1,580 CNY/ton—both delivered factory price, acceptance-based, and tax inclusive.

Supply Side: On the 29th, the coking coal spot market at Chinese ports remained stable. The domestic market's spot trading sentiment was average, with the volume of trade transportation to the two ports fluctuating downward. The total inventory at the two ports remained stable compared to the previous working day. On the 29th, the coking coal prices in Yuncheng market were strong. With the full implementation of seven consecutive rounds of price increases for coking coal, the profits of coking enterprises in the Yuncheng area have been somewhat restored. Most coking enterprises are currently operating at a slight profit, with smooth transportation and delivery. The production of coking enterprises in the region is stable, and the inventory of coking coal in the plants is low. Downstream steel prices are fluctuating, with daily iron water production remaining high. Some steel mills have moderate levels of coking coal inventory and are purchasing coking coal on an as-needed basis. In the short term, coking coal prices in the Yuncheng area may continue to be strong.

Demand Side: Currently, the daily average molten iron output stands at 240.13 tons/day. It is expected that molten iron production will see a significant pullback next week, intensifying the ongoing competition between coke and steel producers. As a result, the short-term coking coal market is likely to remain caught in a dilemma of fluctuating prices—neither clearly rising nor falling.

III. Market Forecast

Coke analysts believe: It is expected that the coke market in China will maintain its current trend in September. Currently, the coke market prices in China are mainly stable with minor fluctuations, and it is expected that the coke market will operate strongly in the short term.