Coal Supply Prospects in the Asia/Pacific Region
AUTHOR: Guy Doyle
DATE: August 1990
The Asia/Pacific region may be broadly defined as a triangle bounded by India, Japan and Indonesia. The region currently produces about 1250 MV/y or one quarter of the world's coal output. The share of world coal consumption is slightly higher, indicating the region's significance as a net importer. The most important consumers are Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, whose own coal industries are in decline. The fast growing and energy hungry economies of other countries in the region, such as Malaysia, The Philippines and Thailand, are also looking to coal to help meet their needs. Coal production and demand have risen substantially in recent decades, reflecting the growing importance of the region. With half the world's population, some of the world's fastest growing economies, and ambitions to match, the region is expected to become an even more important coal-producer and consumer in the future.
The report covers all these countries, together with the little known coal producers of North Korea and Vietnam. The current background and future prospects of each country are examined, with projections being made of production and trade up to the year 2000.