- Indonesia, Australia and South Africa drive weekly export recovery
- Pacific freight firms on tighter tonnage, while Atlantic rates soften
Global seaborne coal exports rose 7.8% w-o-w to 19.40 mnt in Week 35 (22-28 August 2026), the highest weekly volume in the past 8 weeks. The increase was led by Indonesia, Australia and South Africa, while US and Colombian shipments declined.
Australia remained the top exporter at 7.83 mnt, followed by Indonesia at 6.51 mnt. South Africa saw the sharpest gain, up 44.3% w-o-w, supported by improved rail performance and higher allocations to Richards Bay. Indonesian exports gained on firmer Chinese demand, while Australian shipments benefited from strong Asian buying and improved Queensland operations. Canada remained stable, while Colombian exports were hit by rail disruptions and security concerns.
Country-wise exports
Port-wise exports
Australia, Indonesia keep Pacific coal flows moving
- Australia shipped 7.83 mnt, up 6.1% w-o-w, with Newcastle leading at 3.17 mnt, followed by Gladstone at 1.46 mnt, DBCT at 1.23 mnt and Hay Point at 1.09 mnt. Japan (2.25 mnt) and China (1.78 mnt) were the key destinations, while BHP (1.09 mnt) and Glencore (0.46 mnt) led shipper activity.
- Indonesia recorded a stronger recovery, with exports rising 11.1% w-o-w to 6.51 mnt. Taboneo (1.13 mnt) and Bunati (1.07 mnt) were the key loading hubs. India emerged as the largest destination at 1.73 mnt, followed by China at 1.68 mnt. Kaltim Prima Coal (0.86 mnt) and Borneo Indobara (0.80 mnt) were the leading shippers.
- Canada remained unchanged at 0.90 mnt, with Roberts Bank contributing 0.71 mnt and Vancouver 0.16 mnt. Japan (0.46 mnt) and China (0.20 mnt) were the main destinations, while Elk Valley Resources (0.16 mnt) led shipper activity.
South Africa surges as Colombia stays under pressure
- South African shipments jumped 44.3% w-o-w to 1.76 mnt, making the country the standout performer among the Atlantic exporters. Richards Bay accounted for the entire volume, with Chittagong (0.12 mnt) the leading destination. Better Transnet rail performance and greater rail allocations along the export corridor supported the sharp rise.
- Colombia moved in the opposite direction, with exports declining 8.3% to 0.99 mnt. Puerto Nuevo handled 0.64 mnt and Puerto Bolivar 0.35 mnt. Turkey (0.18 mnt) and South Korea (0.16 mnt) were the key destinations, while Prodeco Group (0.64 mnt) and Cerrejon Mines (0.35 mnt) accounted for the reported shipper volumes.
- US exports also eased 10.3% to 1.39 mnt after a strong previous week. Baltimore (0.56 mnt), Mobile (0.39 mnt), New Orleans (0.22 mnt) and Norfolk (0.22 mnt) were the main loading points. The Netherlands (0.25 mnt), Germany (0.18 mnt) and India (0.15 mnt) were the leading destinations.
Pacific freight gains momentum as tonnage tightens
The Pacific freight market has turned firmer, with tighter vessel availability pushing coal freights higher, especially on India-bound routes. Stronger Indonesian and Australian export flows, coupled with active Asian demand, are tightening the tonnage balance and supporting rates.
The Atlantic remains softer, with cautious fixing activity keeping rates under pressure despite stronger South African exports. Overall, Pacific markets are gaining strength on tighter tonnage and firm Asian demand, while Atlantic activity remains subdued.
Outlook
Global coal exports are heading into next week on a firmer note, with Asian demand, Indonesian and Australian shipments, and South African rail performance as key drivers. Stronger Indonesian exports and India-bound volumes should support Pacific cargo activity, while improved South African rail flows may sustain Atlantic supply. Colombia’s rail and security issues and softer US exports remain downside risks.
In freight, tight prompt tonnage and firm Asian enquiries could keep Pacific rates elevated, while Atlantic rates may stay subdued amid limited fixing activity. Overall, coal export fundamentals are improving, but the freight recovery remains uneven across basins.
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