- Australia, Russia remain highest exporters
- JSW’s imports up sharply m-o-m
India’s coking coal imports rose 24% m-o-m to 6.7 million tonnes (mnt) in July 2025 from 5.4 mnt in June, driven by higher shipments from Australia and Russia. The rise is attributed to improved vessel discharge at ports and restocking by major steelmakers. Cumulative imports stood at 22.7 mnt in April-July 2025. Market participants expect restocking to continue, supported by stable buying from the steel sector amid firm global fundamentals.
Australia, Russia lead in July exports
India’s coking coal imports from Australia rose to 4.1 mnt in July 2025, up from 3.4 mnt in June, maintaining its position as the top exporter. Russia followed with a sharp jump to 1.1 mnt from 0.7 mnt. Shipments from Mozambique rose to 0.6 mnt from 0.4 mnt, while Indonesia contributed 0.3 mnt, up from 0.1 mnt, indicating growing traction for smaller suppliers. On the other hand, US exports declined to 0.4 mnt from 0.6 mnt in June. Minor volumes were received from Canada (0.1 mnt).
JSW, SAIL, Tata scale up buying
JSW Steel was the top importer in July 2025, with intake rising to 1.6 mnt from 1.0 mnt in June, as the company continued replenishing inventories. SAIL also increased its intake to 1.2 mnt, from 1.0 mnt, while Tata Steel took 1.1 mnt, compared with 0.9 mnt a month ago. RINL’s intake grew slightly to 0.6 mnt from 0.5 mnt, while Jindal Steel & Power raised intake to 0.4 mnt from 0.3 mnt.
NMDC also received 0.3 mnt, up from 0.2 mnt. Imports by Bhushan Power & Steel remained unchanged at 0.2 mnt, while Bengal Energy booked 0.2 mnt, up from 0.1 mnt in June. The data reflects a broader restocking trend among Indian steelmakers during the monsoon months.
Latest price trends
India’s metallurgical coke (met coke) market witnessed marginal price movement in the week ended 6 August 2025, with improved trading activity offering price support across key trading hubs. The market outlook remains cautiously optimistic, backed by rising raw material costs and Chinese met coke price hikes.
In eastern India, met coke prices remained unchanged week-on-week (w-o-w). BigMint assessed BF-grade (25-90 mm) met coke at INR 29,000/tonne (ex-Jajpur). In western India, prices saw a minor uptick of INR 200/t, with ex-works Gandhidham prices recorded at INR 30,000/t. Improved buying interest supported pricing stability. Merchant cookeries in India are gradually liquidating inventories, while fresh import shipments are not expected before September, keeping domestic prices supported.
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