- Exports drop by 11% m-o-m
- China cuts imports by over 15%
Australia’s non-coking coal exports dropped sharply in August 2025, totaling 17.36 million tonnes (mnt). This marked a 10.5% fall from 19.39 mnt in July and an 8.9% decline compared to 19.05 mnt in August 2024. The slide underscores weakening demand across Asia, Australia’s primary export destination.
Asian demand dampens imports
Japan, the top importer of Australian non-coking coal, reduced purchases by 23.1% m-o-m, importing 6.01 mnt. This decline was driven by lower power generation requirements. Similarly, China cut imports by 15.3% to 4.99 mnt, as stock replenishment slowed due to domestic logistical bottlenecks.
South Korea followed suit with a 10.1% fall m-o-m to 1.39 mnt, while Malaysia registered a 10.6% decline at 0.46 mnt. Vietnam also saw a contraction of 5.4% to 0.95 mnt.
In contrast, Taiwan bucked the trend, lifting imports by 15% to 1.64 mnt, offering some support to Australia’s overall export balance.
Port performance mirrors decline
Port activity across Australia highlighted the downturn in shipments. Newcastle Port, the nation’s largest coal hub, managed 11.99 mnt in August, down 10% from July, indicating both logistical constraints and shifting shipping schedules.
Other major ports also saw declines. Abbot Point recorded a sharp 26.9% drop to 1.73 mnt, while Gladstone fell 9.8% to 1.7 mnt. Brisbane posted the steepest fall of 28.3%, handling only 0.42 mnt.
However, some terminals reported gains. Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal (DBCT) rose by 16.2% to 1.33 mnt, and Port Kembla surged 59.5% to 0.18 mnt, reflecting more flexible vessel movements and export allocations.
Outlook
Australia’s non-coking coal exports are likely to remain under pressure amid weak Asian demand. Limited support from smaller ports and steady Taiwanese buying may cushion losses, but volumes are expected to stay volatile until regional demand improves.
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