International News 08 August 2025
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China’s Coal Imports Drop 23% in July Amid Ample Domestic Supply
China’s coal imports fell 23% year-on-year in July 2025 to 35.61 million metric tons, as abundant domestic supply reduced the need for overseas purchases, according to data from the General Administration of Customs. While the figure remained below last year’s level, it marked a recovery from June’s two-year low, supported by stronger electricity demand due to hot weather. The National Energy Administration (NEA) has ordered inspections across coal mines in eight provinces, triggering a sharp rise in coking coal prices on expectations that production cuts could tighten domestic supply and drive up import prices. Analysts, however, caution that the impact of NEA’s measures may be short-lived, with China’s coal market outlook still leaning bearish. Rising domestic production, growing renewable energy use, and weakening steel demand are expected to keep import needs subdued. From January to July 2025, total coal imports stood at 257.3 million tons, down 13% from the same period last year, signaling that structural shifts in China’s energy mix continue to weigh on long-term coal demand.
Rupiah and Thai Baht Lead Asian Currency Losses Against US Dollar
The rupiah and Thai baht led declines among Asian currencies against the US dollar on Friday morning (Aug 8, 2025). As of 09:14 WIB, the rupiah weakened 0.21% to IDR 16,320 per US dollar, while the baht fell 0.14% to 32.345 per US dollar. Other Asian currencies were also under pressure, with the Japanese yen down 0.12% to ¥147.27, the Singapore dollar slipping 0.06% to S$1.284, and the Malaysian ringgit edging 0.05% lower to MYR 4.232 per US dollar. Year-to-date, the rupiah has dropped 1.41%, whereas the baht has strengthened 6.04%. The yen remains the best-performing Asian currency so far in 2025, recording a 6.73% gain against the greenback. Market participants are closely monitoring potential shifts in US Federal Reserve policy for further direction
https://internasional.kontan.co.id/news/rupiah-dan-baht-pimpin-pelemahan-mata-uang-asia-jumat-88
SGX Reports Record Annual Profit Driven by Strong Trading Performance
Singapore Exchange Ltd (SGX) posted its highest-ever annual net profit, fueled by robust performance across equities, foreign exchange, and commodities. For the fiscal year 2025, adjusted net profit rose 15.9% to S$609.5 million (US$475.21 million) from S$525.9 million a year earlier. Total annual revenue surged 11.7% to S$1.30 billion, the highest since its listing in 2000, supported by higher trading volumes across all business segments. The exchange will pay a final quarterly dividend of 10.5 Singapore cents per share, up from 9 cents last year. CEO Loh Boon Chye announced plans to gradually increase the quarterly dividend by 0.25 Singapore cents each year from FY2026 to FY2028, reflecting SGX’s confidence in sustained growth and strong market activity.