The Port of Nacala, in the north of the country, exported 28% less coal than expected in the first quarter of this yearannounced this Monday the company Nacala Logistics.

"Shipment reached 1.1 million tons against 1.5 million tons forecast," i.e., "a difference from what was planned in the order of 28%," reads the statement.

The figures reflect the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on the world economy, notably the slowdown in Asian markets, the largest customers for Mozambican coal, the country's main export product.

According to Fábio Iwanaga, Nacala Logistics' CFO, "operations in both businesses, coal and general cargo, continue to face challenges." 

The slowdown also means that the company had less expenses.

Nacala Logistics' gross profit (EBITDA) increased 6% in the first quarter of this year compared to the last quarter of 2020 because expenses came in lower than expected.

"The growth in gross profit was due to lower-than-expected operating expenses," he adds.

Nacala Logistics is responsible for managing and operating the more than 1,600-kilometer railway line and port that links the Brazilian Vale coal mine in Moatize to Nacala, on the Indian Ocean coast.