Global seaborne coal exports dip 7% w-o-w; Colombia bucks broad-based weakness

• Indonesia, US shipments lead weekly pullback
• Australia remains largest exporter despite softer flows

Global seaborne coal exports fell 7.3% w-o-w to 16.29 mnt in Week 33 (8-14 August 2026), from 17.57 mnt a week earlier. The decline was led by Indonesia, the US and South Africa, while Colombia posted firmer shipments. Australia remained the largest exporter at 6.83 mnt, followed by Indonesia at 5.27 mnt.

Indonesia’s shipments were pressured by expectations of softer Chinese imports after July’s strong buying and tighter oversight of coal exports. Australia remained relatively resilient amid ongoing supply tightness in its coking coal market.

Country-wise exports

Port-wise exports

Australia leads Pacific shipments as Indonesia cools

• Australia shipped 6.83 mnt, led by Newcastle (2.68 mnt), DBCT (1.48 mnt), and Hay Point (1.01 mnt). China (1.97 mnt) and Japan (1.94 mnt) were key destinations, while BHP (1.01 mnt) and Glencore (0.80 mnt) led shipper activity.
• Indonesia exported 5.27 mnt, with Taboneo (1.02 mnt) and Bunati (0.83 mnt) among the key loading hubs. China (1.32 mnt) remained the leading destination, followed by India (1.24 mnt) and the Philippines (0.54 mnt). Adaro Indonesia (0.74 mnt) and Bayan Resources (0.67 mnt) led shipper activity.
• Canada exported 0.76 mnt, led by Roberts Bank (0.60 mnt) and Prince Rupert (0.16 mnt). Japan (0.43 mnt) and South Korea (0.17 mnt) were the key reported destinations.

Atlantic Basin stays mixed as Colombia bucks trend

• Colombia shipped 1.35 mnt, led by Puerto Nuevo (0.74 mnt) and Puerto Bolivar (0.45 mnt). Prodeco Group (0.77 mnt) and Cerrejon Mines (0.45 mnt) accounted for the leading shipper activity.
• South Africa shipped 0.91 mnt, with Richards Bay accounting for the entire volume. India (0.24 mnt) and Pakistan (0.11 mnt) were the key reported destinations.
• The US exported 1.18 mnt, led by Norfolk (0.39 mnt) and Mobile (0.37 mnt). India (0.22 mnt) was the key reported destination.

Freight market diverges across vessel segments

India-bound coal freights continued to show a split market. Australian Panamax rates softened amid limited support, while Supramax rates gained traction on firmer activity. On the routes tracked by BigMint, Hay Point-Paradip Panamax freight remained under pressure, while Indonesian-India Supramax rates found better support.

The divergence comes as Asian coal demand remains selective. China’s July import surge is expected to taper as domestic supply recovers, while Indian buyers remain sensitive to delivered coal economics and freight costs.

Outlook

Global coal export flows are likely to remain mixed in the near term, with China’s import normalisation, Indonesian export policy and Australian supply availability key variables. Colombia’s firmer shipments provide some offset, while South African logistics and US shipment timing will remain important for Atlantic Basin flows.

In freight, Panamax sentiment may stay under pressure unless Australian cargo activity strengthens, while Supramax could find support from selective Indonesian and Indian demand.