Global seaborne coal shipments rise by 17% w-o-w on stronger cargo loadings

• Australian exports jump 36% on stronger terminal activity
• US, South African shipments rise on firmer cargo flows

Global seaborne coal shipments rose by 16.6% w-o-w to 17.89 million tonnes (mnt) in the week ended 17 July 2026, recovering from a four-month low in the previous week, according to data maintained with BigMint.

The recovery was driven by stronger cargo programmes across the Pacific and improved terminal operations, with Australia, Indonesia, South Africa, the US, and Canada all recording firmer shipments. Australian exports were supported by improved vessel line-ups at Queensland terminals, while better rail arrivals to Richards Bay and healthy metallurgical coal demand underpinned South African and US shipments. Colombia remained the only major exporter to post weaker volumes amid softer European demand and reduced loading activity.

Country-wise trends

Port & shipper-wise trends

Pacific flows

• Australian shipments totalled 7.22 mnt, led by Newcastle (3.51 mnt), Gladstone (1.32 mnt), and DBCT (0.89 mnt). Japan (1.97 mnt) remained the largest destination, followed by South Korea (1.05 mnt) and China (1.05 mnt), while Glencore (0.63 mnt) and BHP (0.62 mnt) emerged as the leading shippers.
• Indonesian shipments stood at 6.27 mnt, with Balikpapan (0.82 mnt) and Taboneo (0.82 mnt) emerging as the major loading hubs. India (1.77 mnt) overtook China (1.11 mnt) as the largest destination during the week.
• Canadian shipments reached 0.77 mnt, driven by Roberts Bank (0.45 mnt) and Vancouver (0.32 mnt). South Korea (0.39 mnt) and Hong Kong (0.16 mnt) were the key destinations, while Elk Valley Resources (0.32 mnt) led shipments.

Atlantic flows

• South African shipments stood at 1.43 mnt, entirely through Richards Bay (1.43 mnt), with India (0.46 mnt) and South Korea (0.29 mnt) emerging as the key destinations.
• US shipments totalled 1.67 mnt, led by Norfolk (0.70 mnt) and Mobile (0.41 mnt). The Netherlands (0.47 mnt) remained the largest destination, followed by Brazil (0.31 mnt).
• Colombian shipments reached 0.52 mnt, primarily from Puerto Nuevo (0.39 mnt) and Puerto Bolivar (0.14 mnt). Prodeco Group (0.39 mnt) and Cerrejon Mines (0.14 mnt) led shipments, while Chile (0.14 mnt) and Brazil (0.12 mnt) were the key destinations.

Coal freights rise on higher bunker costs, active Australian cargoes

India-bound coal freight maintained a firm undertone during the week, with both Panamax and Supramax segments extending gains. Strong Australian cargo activity, improving South East Asian enquiries, and tighter prompt vessel availability supported owners’ sentiment, while sharply higher bunker prices continued to lift voyage costs. However, ample Pacific tonnage and subdued South African coal demand limited sharper gains across some routes.

Outlook

Global coal shipments are expected to remain supported in the near term as Australian and Indonesian exporters maintain healthy loading programmes. Improved rail performance at Richards Bay and steady North American cargo flows should continue to underpin Atlantic exports, although European buying interest and fresh Asian cargo enquiries will remain key to sustaining shipment momentum. Higher bunker prices and monsoon-related operational delays are also expected to keep freight markets firm.