Australia: Coking coal exports decline by 24% m-o-m in Apr’25

• Only China sees growth in shipments from Australia
• Prices increase $7/t m-o-m amid supply constraints

Australia’s coking coal exports experienced a significant 24.3% m-o-m drop in April 2025, with total shipments recorded at 10.4 million tonnes (mnt) against 13.74 mnt in March. Additionally, exports dropped by 15.2% y-o-y from 12.27 mnt in April 2024.

Exports to key markets decline

Exports to key markets such as India, Japan, Vietnam, Taiwan, and South Korea saw a notable decline m-o-m. Shipments to India plunged by 59% to 1.69 mnt in April from 4.09 mnt in March.

Exports to Japan fell by 30% to 1.89 mnt from 2.71 mnt. Shipments to Taiwan plummeted by 72% to 0.18 mnt from 0.67 mnt, and exports to South Korea dropped by 16% to 1.25 mnt from 1.48 mnt. In contrast, exports to China surged by 68% to 1.21 mnt from 0.72 mnt.

Port-wise performance

Australia’s coal terminals also reflected this trend, with most ports seeing a dip in export activity. Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal (DBCT) experienced a 15.1% decline in shipments to 3.7 mnt. Shipments from Gladstone Port decreased by 14.5%, totalling 3.32 mnt, while Hay Point Port saw a fall of 33.6% to 2.17 mnt.

Abbot Point Port recorded a fall of 41.4% to 1.02 mnt. Port Kembla saw a 66.1% drop, handling a total of 0.16 mnt. In contrast, Newcastle Port witnessed an increase of 51.6% to 0.03 mnt.

Prices increase m-o-m

Australian coking coal prices rose by $7/t m-o-m in April to a monthly average of $181/t FOB amid apprehensions regarding supply following the suspension of operations at two mines.

Outlook

A rebound in Australian coking coal exports will hinge on a recovery in Asian demand, which could occur because of restocking before the monsoon. Meanwhile, prices are expected to stay firm in the short term amid tight supply.