
This year, the coal industry has entered what feels like its "winter." While some economists view this as a balance between supply and demand, the author believes the relationship is more complex—marked by ongoing conflict and mutual transformation. In this dynamic, the weaker players are often eliminated, whether it's consumers struggling under high prices or producers unable to compete in a shifting market. This natural process, though harsh, ultimately drives market efficiency and long-term growth.
As the so-called "golden era" for coal slowly fades, the market has shifted toward a demand-driven model. This change isn’t limited to China; it’s affecting global coal markets as well. International coal companies are cutting back on domestic production, eager to export their surplus. China, too, is following this trend. However, exporting without regard for actual market demand risks triggering another round of price drops, leading to a brutal price war. The outcome? A painful but necessary cleanup of the industry.
Meanwhile, the rise of shale gas in the United States is set to revolutionize energy markets. With large-scale extraction now underway, exports are expected to follow soon. At the same time, renewable energy sources like natural gas and solar power are gaining momentum. This isn’t just a simple shift in energy use—it's the dawn of a new industrial era, the fourth one. As traditional energy sources like coal face increasing competition, they’re being pushed aside, forced to step down from their former dominance. The future belongs to cleaner, more sustainable alternatives, and the coal industry must adapt—or fade away.
Iron Screw
Tianjin Alcoa International Trade Co., Ltd. , https://www.tjalcoa.com