Global coal exports rise 3% w-o-w on improved Pacific, Atlantic flows

• Higher Australian, Colombian, South African exports lift global volumes
• Indonesian shipments constrained by low Kalimantan river levels

Global seaborne coal exports edged up 2.8% w-o-w to 17.54 million tonnes (mnt) in Week 37 (5-11 September 2026), recovering from the previous week’s low. Firmer shipments from Australia, South Africa, and Colombia more than offset softer flows from Indonesia, the US, and Canada.

Australia remained the top exporter at 6.99 mnt, followed by Indonesia at 5.25 mnt. Colombia posted the strongest w-o-w increase among major exporters, while South African flows also strengthened through Richards Bay. Indonesian shipments remained constrained by low Kalimantan river levels, while US and Canadian flows softened after firmer activity in the previous week.

Country-wise exports

Port-wise exports

Australia, Indonesia anchor Pacific coal flows

• Australia shipped 6.99 mnt, with Newcastle contributing 2.86 mnt, followed by Gladstone at 1.67 mnt and DBCT at 1.13 mnt. China (1.74 mnt), South Korea (1.64 mnt) and Japan (1.44 mnt) were the key destinations, while Glencore (1.40 mnt) and BHP (0.67 mnt) led shipper activity.
• Indonesia shipped 5.25 mnt, with Bunati (0.81 mnt), Taboneo (0.78 mnt) and Palembang (0.63 mnt) as the key loading hubs. India (1.45 mnt) and China (1.04 mnt) were the leading destinations, while Kaltim Prima Coal (0.62 mnt) and Adaro Indonesia (0.58 mnt) led shipper activity.
• Canada shipped 0.93 mnt, with Vancouver contributing 0.41 mnt, followed by Roberts Bank at 0.32 mnt and Prince Rupert at 0.19 mnt. South Korea (0.41 mnt) was the leading reported destination, with Elk Valley Resources (0.41 mnt) accounting for the reported shipper volume.

South Africa, Colombia gain momentum

• South African shipments stood at 1.49 mnt, all through Richards Bay. India (0.76 mnt) was the leading destination, accounting for around half of the reported shipments.
• Colombia shipped 1.45 mnt, with Puerto Nuevo contributing 0.59 mnt and Puerto Bolivar at 0.58 mnt. Prodeco Group (0.67 mnt) and Cerrejon Mines (0.58 mnt) led shipper activity, while Poland (0.17 mnt) and Brazil (0.16 mnt) were the key reported destinations.
• US exports stood at 1.44 mnt, with Baltimore contributing 0.51 mnt, followed by Norfolk at 0.43 mnt and Mobile at 0.30 mnt. India was the leading reported destination at 0.62 mnt.

Panamax freight stays firm while Supramax remains selective

India-bound coal freight markets remained supported, with Panamax rates holding firm on active enquiries and tight prompt tonnage. Pacific activity continued to underpin sentiment, while Atlantic markets remained mixed.

Supramax activity stayed selective amid uneven Indonesia-India enquiries, although firm Indian coal demand and owner resistance to lower offers continued to support rates. India’s strong power-sector coal demand also kept import requirements active.

Outlook

Global coal exports could remain supported in the coming week, with Australian flows, Indonesian river conditions and South African rail performance likely to remain key drivers. Colombia’s stronger mine-to-port flows could provide further support, while softer US and Canadian shipments may limit the upside.

In freight, Panamax rates are likely to remain supported across India-bound routes as coal demand stays active and owners remain firm on prompt tonnage. Supramax activity may remain selective, with Indonesian logistics constraints and uneven cargo enquiries keeping fixing activity mixed.