Coal exports from Port Kembla  have  climbed more than seven per cent in the last financial year, according to the NSW Minerals Council. But it is unclear how much of this coal, if any, returns to our shores in the form of steel. In 2013-14, 12,026,218 tonnes of coal went through Port Kembla. Over the most recent financial year, the amount of coal loaded onto ships in Port Kembla was 12,895,677 tonnes – an increase of 7.2 per cent.  Of that, a NSW Minerals Council spokeswoman said 75per cent was metallurgical coal and the remainder thermal coal.  Thermal coal is mainly used in the generation of power, while metallurgical coal is largely used in the production of steel. China is the biggest creator of steel in the world, with much of its excess supply being dumped in international markets and forcing down prices. China is the second-largest importer of NSW coal, receiving about 30 million tonnes in 2014-15. ‘‘Despite a fall in coal volumes to China over the last financial year, China’s share of NSW coal exports has grown from just 1 per cent in 2007-08 to 18 per cent in 2014-15,” NSW Minerals Council CEO  Stephen  Galilee said.  However, the council spokesman said 93 per cent of that – more than 28 million tonnes – was thermal coal. Japan is the biggest market for NSW coal, comprising 40 per cent of total exports, followed by China at 18per cent, Korea with 17per cent and Taiwan at 11 per cent.  NSW coal exports to Korea are up 9 per cent, exports to Taiwan have risen by 10 per cent and across the rest of Asia outside of Japan and China, exports have more than doubled, Mr Galilee said