Global coal export shipments fall to 7-week low on weak Pacific activity

• Pacific shipments weaken as Australian and Indonesian loadings ease
• US, South Africa, Colombia gains offset by sharp drop in Canadian exports

Global seaborne coal export shipments declined 13.5% w-o-w to 15.4 million tonnes (mnt) in the week ended 6 March 2026, as lower exports from key Pacific suppliers Australia and Indonesia weighed on overall volumes. Meanwhile, Atlantic basin exporters recorded a mixed performance, with gains from the US, South Africa and Colombia partly offset by a sharp decline in Canadian shipments.

Pacific flows mixed amid steady Asian demand

• In the Pacific, Australian shipments reached 5.7 mnt, led by Newcastle (2.9 mnt), Gladstone (1 mnt) and Glencore (1 mnt). Japan (1.6 mnt) and China (0.8 mnt) remained the key destinations during the week.
• Indonesian exports totalled 5.9 mnt, with Taboneo (1.5 mnt) leading loadings, supported by firm demand from China (1.6 mnt) and India (1.2 mnt).

Atlantic flows show selective strength

• The US recorded shipments of 1.6 mnt, with Norfolk (0.6 mnt) leading exports, followed by Baltimore (0.4 mnt). India (0.3 mnt) remained a key buyer during the week.
• South African exports rose to 1.3 mnt, with Richards Bay accounting for the entire volume, while India (0.6 mnt) remained the key destination.
• Canadian shipments stood at 0.3 mnt, led by Roberts Bank (0.15 mnt) and Prince Rupert (0.14 mnt), with Vietnam and South Korea (0.08 mnt each) among the key buyers.
• Meanwhile, Colombian exports increased to 0.6 mnt, with Puerto Bolivar (0.39 mnt) and Cerrejon mines (0.39 mnt) leading loadings, while Mexico (0.17 mnt) received the largest share of shipments.

Coal freights to India extend weekly gains

Dry bulk coal freight rates to India increased w-o-w, supported by firm cargo demand and tightening vessel availability. Pacific routes strengthened further, with the South Africa-Paradip route nearing a five-month high amid steady cargo flows and higher bunker prices. Limited prompt tonnage and rising fuel costs continued to support freight sentiment, while activity in the Atlantic basin remained relatively balanced.

Outlook

Market participants expect global coal export flows to remain mixed in the near term. Pacific shipments may stabilise as Asian demand remains broadly steady, though geopolitical risks and cautious procurement could limit stronger recovery. Meanwhile, Atlantic exports are likely to remain uneven, influenced by vessel availability, logistics performance at key terminals and evolving demand across major importing regions.