U.S. Thermal coal prices increased week over week for NAPP  (+3.1%), CAPP  (+3.1%) and PRB (+6.2%).  Prices for ILB coal were unchanged and the Western Bituminous coal decreased by -0.3%.  Average U.S. natural gas prices increased +342.8% (+$13.75).  Henry Hub pricing increased by +667% (+$20.53).

Domestic iron and steel production increased week over week by +0.11% and furnace capacity utilization increased by +0.13%.

U.S. electrical generation increased from the previous week +2.28%, with output from the coal regions increasing by +3%.  Output in the New England, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions increased by +3.8%.  Generation in the Central Industrial region increased by +0.59%

Total U.S. rail traffic decreased by -21.3%, (negatively impacted by the cold weather that caused delays at major interchange points), ts fourth straight week of decline.  Coal traffic declined week over week by -10.5%, finished steel and steel raw material carloads declined by -10% from the previous week.