Imported Ore Profits Dip as Market Sentiment Turns Pessimistic, Yet Fundamentals Show Signs of Improvement Ahead of National Day Holiday

The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported coal production of 10.953 million short tons for the week ending August 29, 2026, up approximately 3.4% from 10.595 million short tons in the previous week and 2.5% from 10.686 million short tons in the corresponding week of 2025. Year-to-date U.S. coal production reached 341.383 million short tons, remaining 2.4% below the 349.951 million short tons produced during the same period of 2025. Western production totaled 6.072 million short tons during the week, accounting for approximately 55.4% of national output. Appalachian and Interior production stood at 3.274 million and 1.607 million short tons, respectively. Wyoming was the largest individual state producer listed in the article, with weekly output of 4.624 million short tons.

JFE Steel commenced operations at its newly constructed No. 6 Coke Oven at the Fukuyama area of its West Japan Works on August 31, 2026. The project was built between May 2023 and August 2026 with an investment of approximately JPY 45 billion and has an annual coke production capacity of around 420,000 tonnes. The facility is Japan’s first large-scale coke oven to adopt the stamp-charging method. Unlike conventional top charging, the process compacts coal powder before pushing it horizontally into the oven. According to the supplied article, the new design improves production efficiency and reduces operating costs through better coke quality.

U. S. Steel announced on September 3 that Blast Furnace No. 14 at Gary Works in Indiana had returned to service following the completion of a $350 million reline. The project included the replacement of the furnace’s refractory lining and maintenance of critical supporting systems, including furnace gas, cooling water, hoisting and stove systems. Blast Furnace No. 14 is the largest blast furnace at Gary Works and across U. S. Steel’s operating footprint, with annual hot-metal production capability exceeding two million “tons.”