The Evolution of the International Coal Trade: A Strategic and Decision-Making Perspective

Abstract

The paper analyzes decision making in a specific subset of the energy sector—international coal trade—in order to contribute to the understanding of the problems faced by the actors involved. The actors in this global stage are the producers, consumers, and intermediaries in coal trade play. The decisions or the lack of decisions of these actors will ultimately influence the comprehensive scenarios and forecasts shaping the future of this specific area within the energy field. The clarification of the operational problems should also make a contribution toward the improvement of decision making in this area.© 1983 JIBS. Journal of International Business Studies (1983) 14, 85–101