Friday, January 21, 2011

Queensland coal exports from Dec-March may be 15m tonnes lower

KUALA LUMPUR: Queensland's coal exports between December 2010 and March 2011 could be around 15 million tonnes lower than previously anticipated, according to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences.

'This represents a reduction in export earnings of around A$2 billion to A$2.5 billion. However, it is anticipated that coal prices could be settled at higher levels, partially offsetting the adverse impact on coal industry revenues,' it said on Friday, Jan 21.

In its report on the impact of recent flood events on commodities, the bureau said the recent flooding in eastern Australia is estimated to have reduced agricultural production by at least A$500 million to A$600 million in 2010 to 2011.

It added there would be significant impact on the production of fruit and vegetables, cotton, grain sorghum and some winter crops.

The bureau said losses of livestock reported to date have been small in relation to the national herd and flock. However the bureau noted the main impact for livestock appeared to have been associated with disruptions to transport and other infrastructure support.

'These costs do not take into account the cost of lost farm infrastructure and assets which may amount to much more,' it said.


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