One source based in one of the major southern ports in China has warned that the volume of seaborne thermal coal to be signed into long-term contracts may decline due to the expansion of renewable energy sources, which is expected to reduce coal-fired power demand by around 20% in some areas. Additionally, uncertain about whether the country will reintroduce import controls next year after a significant influx in 2024, power plants are likely to continue securing domestic supplies through contracts, although the overall volume is also expected to decrease.