- US exports climb up by 21% w-o-w amid firm buying
- South African, Colombian shipments drop over 50%
Global coal export shipments (coking, non-coking, and met coke) declined 2% w-o-w to 17.87 million tonnes (mnt) in Week 31, 2025 (26 July-1 August), compared with 18.29 mnt in the previous week, according to vessel line-up data compiled by BigMint.
The fall was largely driven by significant reductions in shipments from South Africa and Colombia, coupled with continued weakness in Australian exports. Meanwhile, Indonesia posted its highest weekly volumes in over a month, partially offsetting broader declines in other regions.
Subdued Asian demand persisted amid ample port stocks, tempered industrial activity, and monsoonal disruptions in India. Traders also remained cautious in light of volatile freights and uncertainty over Chinese import policies.
Country-wise exports
Indonesia posts highest shipments since Jun’25
Indonesia overtook Australia as the top exporter for the week, with shipments rising 11% w-o-w to 7.61 mnt in Week 31 from 6.84 mnt the previous week. This rise reflects stable operational conditions at major ports such as Port Samarinda and Port Taboneo. Notably, the week witnessed the highest exports since Week 28 in early June.
India remained the top importer, receiving 1.85 mnt, followed by China at 1.81 mnt and South Korea with 0.79 mnt.
Loading activity accelerated in Kalimantan after easing rains improved river navigation and barge movement. However, logistical constraints lingered in select regions due to low water levels, keeping overall supply chains tight.
Australia’s exports slip further on muted demand
Australian exports fell 3% w-o-w to 6.82 mnt in Week 31 from 7.04 mnt in Week 30.
This week, Japan continued to be the leading importer of coal with 2.27 mnt, followed by China with 1.36 mnt. Ongoing buyer caution in northeast Asia and tight steel margins weighed on shipments.
Additionally, recent adverse weather in eastern Australia disrupted rail haulage and port loadings at Newcastle, Gladstone, and Hay Point, slowing vessel turnarounds.
US shipments surge w-o-w as suppliers diversify markets
The US’s coal exports rose 21% to 1.46 mnt in Week 31 from 1.20 mnt a week earlier. Major load ports remained Norfolk with 0.55 mnt, followed by Baltimore with 0.39 mnt.
India and Brazil were the key importers with 0.33 mnt and 0.31 mnt, respectively.
This uptick came as US suppliers redirected cargoes toward Southeast Asia and India amid declining shipments to China, where a 15% import tariff continues to constrain demand.
Canada’s export shipments remain largely stable
Canada’s exports remained largely stable at 0.96 mnt in Week 31 against 0.95 mnt in Week 30. Key importers were China with 0.64 mnt and Japan with 0.17 mnt, followed by South Korea with 0.08 mnt.
The stable export volumes reflect steady demand for metallurgical (coking) coal in northeast Asia and uninterrupted loading at Canada’s west-coast ports, notably Westshore, Ridley, and Prince Rupert.
South African volumes slump over 50% w-o-w
South Africa’s exports fell steeply by 52% w-o-w to 0.60 mnt from 1.26 mnt in Week 30. The drop followed a surge in export volumes in the previous week as rail disruptions temporarily eased.
However, fresh logistical bottlenecks and equipment outages at Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT) curtailed loadings once more, sources informed.
Colombia’s shipments decline sharply on weak European demand
Colombian exports fell 55% w-o-w to 0.43 mnt in Week 31 from 0.98 mnt in Week 30.
Colombia’s coal exports are primarily thermal coal, known for its low sulphur and ash content and high calorific value. According to sources, the decline reflected slowing buying interest from Europe and logistical delays in loading cargoes bound for Asia-Pacific markets.
China’s tepid import appetite continued to overshadow the market, with high domestic output and port inventories keeping spot demand muted. In India, seasonal monsoon rains disrupted coastal logistics and dampened buying from the power sector.
Dry bulk coal freights continue to fall
Dry bulk coal freights to India from all major origins, such as Australia, South Africa, and Indonesia, remained under pressure this week, extending their downtrend. Of the three, freights from South Africa witnessed the steepest decline.
Market activity was muted, with few fixtures noted, as buyers, especially sponge iron producers, remained cautious amid falling domestic coal prices in India.
Outlook
Looking ahead, global coal exports may stay under pressure amid persistent demand weakness in Asia and uneven port performance. While firm US shipments and Indonesia’s strong loading momentum could offer limited upside, Australian export headwinds and logistical volatility in South Africa are likely to cap any significant rebound.
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