On thursday, it was reported that thermal coal imports by Japan may be flat in 2010 owing to doubts over the economic recovery. On the other hand India's imports are expected to be robust, buyers and analysts.

The news release is quoted as saying:

Japan's thermal coal imports in 2010 would be unchanged from this year's figure, at about 110 million tonnes, compared with about 124 million tonnes in 2008. India's demand also will remain robust next year, with one major buyer forecasting that the country will import about 70 million tonnes of coal in 2010.

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