The US elections could have only a “marginal effect” in 2017 on the coal industry, although market tailwinds could still provide a boost, analysts said Tuesday. According to Lucas Pipes, a Washington-based analyst for FBR, demand is the most pressing question for analysts and producers in 2017 following a year when electric power coal consumption is expected to drop to 680.5 million st, its lowest level since 1984. “Investors also wanted to know to what extent a Trump administration could increase demand, versus just halting the previously anticipated decline in coal burn,” Pipes said. “Producers noted that aggregate electricity demand could improve, yielding higher coal plant utilizations.” Coal also will likely be a secondary beneficiary from planned investments in US infrastructure, according to Morgan Stanley analyst Evan Kurtz, based in New York City. Article Continues below… Platts US Election Webinar View the replay on-demand During this free event, we […]