Last week Platts reported that the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) had ordered the nation’s coastal power plants to cull import demand by as much as 40%.

On Tuesday RS Platou Markets noted the rationale behind the initiative remains unclear but acknowledged that the campaign could pose a threat to panamax bulkers.

In a client briefing the investment bank’s shippingteam said a 30 to 40% decline in demand would amount to a reduction of 20 million tons over the next four months.

“This