China Huaneng Group, one of China's major state-owned power generators, has launched its 32nd centralized tender of 2026 for imported thermal coal, seeking 19 cargoes totaling 1.16 million tonnes for delivery to its coastal power plants mostly in September and October, according to a tender notice issued on August 26.

The volume is more than double that of the previous round and extends to several plants not covered in recent tenders, including Dandong, Yingkou, Jinling in eastern China, Zhangzhou in southeastern China, and Haikou in southern China.

The cargoes required range from 3,000 to 5,500 Kcal/kg NAR, with sulfur content between 0.3% and 1.0%. Delivery windows range from September 10 to October 24.

Origin eligibility is notably broader than in recent tenders. While Indonesian coal remains the default source across most lots, some are also open for Russian, Australian, Philippine, or Malaysian coal.

Bidding will be open from 11:00 on August 26 to 11:00 on August 27, with a minimum bid quantity of one cargo per batch. Results are due to be announced, with written notice to winning bidders, by 17:30 on September 1.

Results from China Huaneng's previous tender, No. 31, which closed on August 19, showed stronger reception than the round before. Seven of the nine parcels, totaling 464,000 tonnes, found suppliers, while the other two, totaling 106,000 tonnes, drew no winning bids.

The two lots that failed to attract bids were both at eastern China's Shidongkou, comprising a 53,000-tonne cargo of 3,800 Kcal/kg NAR coal for Shidongkou 1 and a 53,000-tonne cargo of 3,400 Kcal/kg NAR coal for Shidongkou's power generation unit. The remaining seven cargoes were all awarded.

China's seaborne import thermal coal market has recently seen a spill-over effect following the recent rally in domestic prices, lifting sentiment and transacted prices, with some traders starting to chase cargoes for October delivery.

Panamax Indonesian 3,800 Kcal/kg NAR coal has reported