According to the Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) weekly report, U.S. metallurgical coal exports for April 2012 are nearly 30% more than April 2011 exports.  Last month’s steam coal exports were 65% ahead of April, a year ago.  Comparing the first four months of 2012 to 2011, met coal exports are up by nearly 9% and steam coal increased by more than 30%. West Virginia’s year-to-date production (week ending June 9) is down 7.9%.