Global seaborne coal exports rise by 10% w-o-w, reach three-week high

• Indonesia, Australia, US shipments drive w-o-w recovery
• Atlantic exports rise, but Colombia remains under pressure

Global seaborne coal exports rose 10.4% w-o-w to 17.99 million tonnes (mnt) in Week 34 (15-21 August 2026), from 16.29 mnt a week earlier, marking a three-week high. The rebound was led by Indonesia, Australia, and the US, while Colombia posted softer shipments. Australia remained the largest exporter at 7.38 mnt, followed by Indonesia at 5.86 mnt.

Indonesia’s shipments were supported by stronger Chinese buying and healthy port activity, while Australian flows benefited from stronger Asian demand and improved Queensland operating conditions. South African and US shipments also gained support from better rail performance and stronger Indian buying, respectively.

Country-wise exports

Port-wise exports

Australia leads Pacific shipments

• Australia shipped 7.38 mnt, led by Newcastle (2.76 mnt), Gladstone (1.42 mnt), and DBCT (1.39 mnt). Japan (1.99 mnt) and China (1.94 mnt) were the key destinations, while Glencore (0.88 mnt) and BHP (0.55 mnt) led shipper activity.
• Indonesia exported 5.86 mnt, with Samarinda (0.91 mnt), Palembang (0.73 mnt), and Taboneo (0.65 mnt) among the key loading hubs. Philippines (1.14 mnt), China (1.12 mnt), and India (0.95 mnt) were the top destinations, while Kaltim Prima Coal (0.62 mnt) and Jhonlin Group (0.61 mnt) led shipper activity.
• Canada exported 0.90 mnt, led by Vancouver (0.42 mnt) and Roberts Bank (0.39 mnt). Japan (0.23 mnt) and China (0.19 mnt) were the major destinations, while Elk Valley Resources (0.42 mnt) led shipper activity.

Colombia weighs on Atlantic coal shipments

• Colombia shipped 1.08 mnt, led by Puerto Nuevo (0.65 mnt) and Puerto Bolivar (0.32 mnt). Chile (0.16 mnt) was the leading destination, while Prodeco Group (0.70 mnt) and Cerrejon Mines (0.32 mnt) led shipper activity.
• South Africa shipped 1.22 mnt, with Richards Bay accounting for the entire volume. Pakistan (0.30 mnt) was the top destination.
• The US exported 1.55 mnt, led by Norfolk (0.56 mnt) and Mobile (0.43 mnt). India (0.22 mnt) and Morocco (0.22 mnt) were the major destinations.

Freight market remains under pressure amid ample tonnage

India-bound coal freights softened across Panamax and Supramax routes in the week, with ample vessel availability and limited cargo enquiries keeping rates under pressure. Australia-India Panamax rates remained weak, while Indonesia-India Supramax also softened amid comfortable prompt tonnage.

The softer freight market reflects subdued fixing activity across key India-bound routes, with charterers retaining leverage amid sufficient vessel supply. Selective coal demand provided some support but was not enough to offset the pressure from ample prompt tonnage.

Outlook

Global coal export flows are likely to remain mixed in the near term, with Asian buying, Indonesian export policy, Australian supply availability and South African rail performance key variables. Colombia’s rail disruption remains a downside risk for Atlantic flows, while firm Indian buying could continue to support US shipments.

In freight, Panamax and Supramax rates are likely to remain under pressure unless cargo enquiry strengthens or prompt vessel availability tightens. Selective Indonesian and Indian coal demand could provide some support, but a sustained recovery will depend on stronger fixing activity.