Global coal export shipments reach CY’26 peak of 20.2 mnt on stronger Atlantic flows

• South Africa, Canada shipments rebound on better logistics
• Australia, Indonesia shipments ease amid operational constraints

Global seaborne coal shipments edged up to a CY’26 weekly high of 20.20 million tonnes (mnt) in the week ended 3 July 2026, rising marginally by 0.9% w-o-w from 20.02 mnt in the previous week, according to BigMint data.

The marginal growth was primarily supported by a recovery in Atlantic cargo flows, with stronger shipments from South Africa, Colombia, and Canada amid improved rail connectivity, vessel activity, and cargo availability. However, softer shipments from Australia and Indonesia capped overall gains due to maintenance-related disruptions and slower loading operations.

Country-wise trends

Port & shipper-wise trends

Pacific flows

• Australian shipments totalled 8.26 mnt, led by Newcastle (3.43 mnt), DBCT (1.71 mnt), and Gladstone (1.15 mnt). China (2.75 mnt) and Japan (2.08 mnt) remained the key destinations, while Glencore (1.03 mnt) and BHP (0.70 mnt) led shipments.
• Indonesian shipments stood at 6.82 mnt, with Bunati (1.13 mnt) and Taboneo (1.04 mnt) emerging as the major loading hubs. China (1.68 mnt) and India (1.24 mnt) dominated cargo flows, while Borneo Indobara (0.85 mnt) and Adaro Indonesia (0.58 mnt) were the leading shippers.
• Canadian shipments reached 1.22 mnt, driven by Roberts Bank (0.52 mnt) and Vancouver (0.44 mnt). South Korea (0.33 mnt) and Japan (0.29 mnt) were the major destinations, with Elk Valley Resources (0.44 mnt) leading shipments.

Atlantic flows

• South African shipments stood at 1.45 mnt, entirely through Richards Bay (1.45 mnt), with India (0.67 mnt) emerging as the key destination.
• US shipments totalled 1.38 mnt, led by Norfolk (0.51 mnt), Mobile (0.34 mnt), and Baltimore (0.33 mnt). India (0.29 mnt) and Turkey (0.17 mnt) remained the primary destinations.
• Colombian shipments reached 1.08 mnt, primarily from Puerto Nuevo (0.58 mnt), Puerto Bolivar (0.27 mnt), and Cartagena (0.10 mnt). Prodeco Group (0.63 mnt) and Cerrejon Mines (0.27 mnt) led shipments, while the Netherlands (0.16 mnt) and Mexico (0.11 mnt) were the key destinations.

Coal freight sentiment mixed amid Atlantic support and Pacific uncertainty

Coal freight rates to India witnessed mixed trends as Pacific routes remained under pressure from ample vessel availability and limited fresh enquiries, while Atlantic activity found support from tighter tonnage and improved South African cargo flows.

Panamax sentiment remained relatively supported by Atlantic demand, whereas Supramax activity stayed range-bound amid Indonesia-related delays. Bunker price fluctuations continued to influence freight negotiations.

Outlook

Global coal shipments are expected to remain stable in the near term, supported by steady Asian demand and improving Atlantic cargo flows. South African exports may continue to benefit from better rail performance, while Australian and Indonesian shipments remain exposed to maintenance schedules and weather-related disruptions.