Global coal export shipments rise 5% w-o-w as Pacific flows strengthen

• Higher Australian, Indonesian, US shipments push up global volumes
• South African, Colombian, Canadian flows soften on logistical constraints

Global seaborne coal exports rose 5.2% w-o-w to 18.45 million tonnes (mnt) in Week 38 (12-18 September 2026), supported by stronger shipments from Australia, Indonesia, and the US. The gains more than offset softer flows from South Africa, Colombia and Canada.

Australia remained the top exporter at 7.39 mnt, followed by Indonesia at 6.47 mnt. Indonesian shipments recovered despite continued low river levels across Kalimantan, while stronger US flows reflected firm overseas demand. South African shipments through Richards Bay softened amid rail and terminal constraints, while Colombian exports remained under pressure from weaker Atlantic demand and rail disruptions.

Country-wise exports

Port-wise exports

Australia, Indonesia drive Pacific coal flows

• Australia shipped 7.39 mnt, with Newcastle contributing 2.58 mnt, followed by Gladstone at 1.51 mnt, DBCT at 1.22 mnt and Abbot Point at 1.03 mnt. Japan (1.82 mnt) and China (1.77 mnt) were the key destinations, while BHP (0.89 mnt), Glencore (0.40 mnt) and Adani Coal Mines (0.30 mnt) led shipper activity.
• Indonesia shipped 6.47 mnt, with Taboneo contributing 1.02 mnt, followed by Samarinda at 0.93 mnt and Bunati at 0.70 mnt. India (1.97 mnt), China (1.17 mnt) and the Philippines (0.94 mnt) were the leading destinations, while Berau Coal (0.58 mnt) and Kaltim Prima Coal (0.52 mnt) led shipper activity.
• Canada shipped 0.61 mnt, with Roberts Bank contributing 0.33 mnt, followed by Vancouver at 0.19 mnt. China (0.17 mnt) and Japan (0.09 mnt) were the key reported destinations, with Elk Valley Resources (0.19 mnt) accounting for the reported shipper volume.

US, Colombia maintain Atlantic flows

• Colombia shipped 1.37 mnt, with Puerto Nuevo contributing 1.05 mnt, followed by Puerto Bolivar at 0.23 mnt. The Netherlands (0.18 mnt), Turkiye (0.16 mnt), and Brazil (0.16 mnt) were the key reported destinations, while Prodeco Group (1.10 mnt) and Cerrejon Mines (0.23 mnt) led shipper activity.
• South African shipments stood at 1.05 mnt, all through Richards Bay. The Netherlands (0.32 mnt) and India (0.24 mnt) were the key reported destinations.
• US exports stood at 1.56 mnt, with Norfolk contributing 0.56 mnt, followed by Baltimore at 0.45 mnt and New Orleans at 0.32 mnt. The Netherlands (0.32 mnt) and Morocco (0.12 mnt) were the key reported destinations.

Panamax freights hold firm, while Supramax remains selective

India-bound coal freight markets remained firm to stable, with higher bunker costs and tighter vessel availability supporting owners’ rate ideas, although physical activity remained selective. The Australia-India Panamax market was largely unchanged amid limited Pacific fixing, while seasonal demand and vessel positioning for September-October provided support. The South Africa-India Panamax route saw better enquiry levels against a firmer Atlantic backdrop.

Indonesia-India Supramax activity remained mixed, with tighter tonnage supporting sentiment but limited coal bookings and uncertainty around October loading prices keeping charterers cautious. Overall, freight sentiment remained constructive, although fixing activity was still limited.

Outlook

Global coal exports could remain supported in the coming week, with Australian and Indonesian flows likely to remain key drivers. Indonesian river conditions will remain a watchpoint, while South African rail performance and Colombia’s rail situation could influence Atlantic availability.

In freight, Panamax rates are likely to remain firm as seasonal demand, vessel positioning, tighter availability and higher bunker costs support owners’ rate ideas. Supramax activity may remain selective, with limited Indonesian coal bookings and uncertainty around October cargo pricing keeping charterer activity cautious.