Global coal shipments jump 8% w-o-w on Australian rebound; Atlantic flows remain mixed

• Indonesian exports steady, domestic consumption tightens supply
• Logistics constraints further drag down South African volumes

Global seaborne coal shipments rose 7.9% w-o-w to 16.98 mnt in the week ended 20 March 2026, driven by a rebound in Australian exports. Among Atlantic origins, higher US and Canadian shipments offset declines in Colombia. Meanwhile, Indonesian volumes remained stable, and South African volumes decreased moderately.

Country-wise trends

Port & shipper-wise trends

Pacific flows mixed amid steady Asian demand

In the Pacific, Australian shipments reached 6.9 mnt, led by Newcastle (2.71 mnt), DBCT (1.46 mnt) and Gladstone (1.19 mnt), with Japan (2.21 mnt), South Korea (0.65 mnt) and Taiwan (0.63 mnt) as key destinations. Shipments were also supported by BHP (0.69 mnt), Whitehaven (0.52 mnt), and Yancoal (0.40 mnt).

Indonesian exports stood at 5.6 mnt, with Taboneo (1.24 mnt) and Samarinda (0.95 mnt) leading loadings, supported by China (1.27 mnt) and India (1.21 mnt).

Atlantic flows show selective strength

The US recorded shipments of 1.9 mnt, with Norfolk (0.64 mnt) leading exports, followed by Baltimore (0.50 mnt). India (0.60 mnt) remained a key buyer during the week.

South African exports stood at 1.2 mnt, with Richards Bay accounting for the entire volume, while India (0.49 mnt) remained the key destination.

Canadian shipments increased to 0.9 mnt, led by Roberts Bank (0.47 mnt) and Vancouver (0.34 mnt), with Elk Valley Resources (0.34 mnt) supporting supply. South Korea (0.25 mnt) remained among the key buyers.

Meanwhile, Colombian exports stood at 0.5 mnt, with Puerto Bolivar (0.32 mnt) leading loadings, while Cerrejon mines (0.32 mnt) and Gibraltar (0.17 mnt) supported supply.

Coal freights to India show mixed trends

Dry bulk coal freights to India showed mixed trends w-o-w amid divergent regional trends. Steady cargo flows provided some support, but fluctuating bunker prices and uneven vessel availability kept sentiment uncertain. Limited prompt tonnage in select segments and cautious fixing activity continued to influence rate movements.

Outlook

BigMint expects global coal export flows to remain mixed, with limited upside in Australia due to weather and maintenance, broad stability in Indonesian shipments, and uneven Atlantic flows, driven by logistics and demand-side pressures. Freight remains a key driver.