A stronger rand is making life harder again for South African coal exporters. Richards Bay Coal Terminal prices slipped marginally on the week although Pacific and European markets were stronger, helped by news of strikes in Colombia, as well as stronger Chinese domestic prices. The energy complex has been marginally stronger with carbon prices rallying strongly again. A major problem now for both South African and Australian producers are the high fixed take-or-pay costs they incur for rail, as well as port access.
