Australia: Coal exports from key ports fall 6% m-o-m in Sep’26

• Hay Point, Weipa shipments declined, while Abbot Point and Mackay recorded growth
• Winter restocking by Asian utilities may support Q4 exports

Australian coal exports from the four key ports declined 5.6% m-o-m to 8.30 million tonnes (mnt) in September 2026, from 8.79 mnt in August. The decline was primarily driven by lower shipments from Hay Point and Weipa, which outweighed growth at Abbot Point and Mackay, indicating a mixed export trend across Queensland’s coal terminals.

Port operations and developments

Operational developments remained relevant across Queensland’s coal export network during the period. North Queensland Bulk Ports completed an extended 63-day maintenance dredging campaign at Weipa on 1 September, while Hay Point recorded several marine operational notices in early October.

Port-wise export performance

• Hay Point: Shipments fell 10.7% m-o-m to 3.34 mnt in September 2026 from 3.74 mnt in August, recording the largest absolute decline among the assessed ports. Despite the drop, broader Queensland exports remained supported by Asian demand, with China, Japan, South Korea and India continuing as key buyers.
• Abbot Point: Shipments increased 8.3% m-o-m to 3.28 mnt from 3.03 mnt, amid stronger cargo movement at the terminal, although broader coking coal sentiment remained mixed amid price sensitivity and uncertain Chinese steel demand.
• Weipa: Shipments declined 21.7% m-o-m to 1.37 mnt from 1.75 mnt, hitting three-months low, potentially reflecting fluctuations in cargo scheduling and terminal activity following an extended maintenance dredging campaign completed in early September.
• Mackay: Shipments rose 14.8% m-o-m to 0.31 mnt from 0.27 mnt, supported by improved vessel scheduling and higher cargo-handling activity during the month.

Outlook

Australian coal exports could receive seasonal support in the fourth quarter as Asian utilities replenish inventories ahead of winter. Australian thermal coal’s preference over LNG could encourage stronger buying from China, Japan and South Korea.