Despite signs of moderated pace of price increases, China's coking coal market fundamentals remained tight, offering strong support to current price levels and sustaining bullish expectations in the short term.

Among 20 Sxcoal-surveyed mines on October 28, 17 out of them maintained stable prices, and two raised their offers, with the remaining one lowering prices.

Most coal mines in key regions such as Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, and Shaanxi restarted normal production. However, several operations continued to be affected by longwall relocations, safety inspections, or maintenance activities. These constraints limited the speed of a full supply recovery.

One Shanxi-based miner source stated that they recently completed equipment maintenance but output remained subdued. "It appears difficult to ramp up production in the remaining months of the year amid nearly-completed annual output target," he added.

A second source in the province noted that they resumed operations following brief shutdowns caused by safety concerns.

Meanwhile, ongoing adjustments for underground gas management curbed output at several mines in Wuhai of Inner Mongolia, local sources told Sxcoal.

The localized supply restraints, combined with brisk sales, helped coal stocks dwindle swiftly at mines.

The full implementation of the second round of 50-55 yuan/t coke price hikes offered a modest but welcome boost to coking plant profitability. This encouraged coke producers to continue replenishing feed coal stocks.

As a result, coal miners saw strong pre-sale order volumes, and middlemen also experienced smooth turnover. Some sources from major production hubs reported phased low-level inventories at both mines and washing plants.

"Our coal shipments are smooth even after lifting prices across various grades over the weekend, as several surrounding coking plants need to secure feedstock due to low inventories. Coal stockpiles are relatively low on site thanks to good dispatch," said a miner source based in Shanxi.

In Linfen of Shanxi, some Xiangning-based miners raised offers of primary coking coal and lean coal by 30-60 yuan/t last weekend, with low-sulfur primary coking coal (S 0.4%, A 10%, GRI 80) up 50 yuan/t to 1,510 yuan/t, ex-washplant with VAT and in cash. Low-sulfur lean coal (S 0.3%, A 10%, GRI 65) rose 60 yuan/t to 1,420 yuan/t. Over the past two weeks, cumulative increases in the region reached up to 60-90 yuan/t, pushing prices to their highest levels this year.

While the rate of price growth slowed slightly, the coking coal price trend remained firm, indicating cautious optimism for the near-term outlook.

"Strong outbound transport continues, with many trucks queuing at mines for coal loading," said a Shaanxi-based miner source. "We won't lower prices for now. If anything, I think further price increases could be on the horizon."

On October 28, the CCI index for Shanxi low-sulfur primary coking coal was steady day on day at 1,600 yuan/t, ex-washplant with VAT. CCI indexes for mid- and high-sulfur primary coking coal stood at 1,390 yuan/t and 1,374 yuan/t, respectively, both up 40 yuan/t.

At China's Ganqimaodu port, customs clearances of Mongolian coal trucks rebounded this week, with 1,275 trucks passing on October 27, up 473 compared to an average of 802 trucks over October 20-25.

Nevertheless, portside traders held firm on Mongolian cargo offers due to thin spot availability, with Mongolian 5# raw coking coal at around 1,130-1,140 yuan/t, ex-stock with VAT.