- South African exports surge on improved rail flows
- Atlantic weakness persists amid soft demand and scheduling pressures
Global seaborne coal shipments remained largely stable w-o-w at 16.94 million tonnes (mnt) in the week ended 27 March 2026. Gains from South Africa offset softer volumes across Australia and Atlantic suppliers, while Indonesian shipments remained steady.
Country-wise trends
Port & shipper-wise trends
Pacific flows steady amid balanced Asian demand
Australian shipments were led by Newcastle (2.75 mnt), DBCT (1.50 mnt) and Gladstone (1.07 mnt), with China (1.38 mnt) and Japan (1.22 mnt) as key destinations. Glencore supported supply with 0.63 mnt.
Indonesian exports were led by Taboneo (1.22 mnt), with India (1.15 mnt) and Vietnam (0.91 mnt) as key buyers.
Atlantic flows show selective support
South African exports were routed via Richards Bay (2.08 mnt), with India (1.33 mnt) as the key destination.
US shipments were led by Norfolk (0.58 mnt) and Baltimore (0.56 mnt), with India (0.30 mnt) and the Netherlands (0.29 mnt) among key buyers.
Canadian shipments were led by Roberts Bank (0.39 mnt), with Japan (0.17 mnt) and South Korea (0.13 mnt) as key destinations.
Colombian exports were driven by Puerto Nuevo (0.14 mnt), with Chile (0.14 mnt) among key buyers, while Carbosan (0.14 mnt) supported supply.
Coal freights to India show mixed trends
Coal freights to India remained mixed w-o-w, with steady cargo flows offering some support. However, fluctuating bunker prices, uneven vessel availability, and cautious fixing activity kept sentiment uncertain.
Outlook
BigMint expects coal flows to remain mixed, with limited upside in Australia, steady Indonesian shipments, and uneven Atlantic performance. Logistics and freight dynamics will remain key drivers.
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