Global coal exports rise 4% w-o-w as South African, Colombian shipments strengthen

• Indonesian exports edge up amid Indian, Southeast Asian demand
• US, Canadian flows soften; Australian exports remain broadly stable

Global seaborne coal exports rose 3.8% w-o-w to 18.49 million tonnes (mnt) in week 41 (3-9 October 2026), supported by stronger shipments from South Africa, Colombia, and Indonesia. Gains from these suppliers offset softer volumes from the US and Canada, while Australian shipments remained largely stable.

Australia remained the largest exporter at 7.19 mnt, followed by Indonesia at 6.16 mnt. South Africa recorded the strongest movement among major exporters, while Colombia also posted firmer shipments, reflecting improved export flows amid mixed trends across key coal suppliers.

Country-wise exports

Port-wise exports

Australia, Indonesia dominate Pacific coal flows

• Australia exported 7.19 mnt, led by Newcastle at 3.25 mnt, Gladstone at 1.28 mnt and DBCT at 1.13 mnt. China (2.39 mnt), Japan (1.69 mnt) and South Korea (1.56 mnt) were the leading destinations, while Glencore (1.08 mnt) and BHP (0.83 mnt) led shipper activity.
• Indonesia exported 6.16 mnt, with Bunati (1.23 mnt), Taboneo (0.88 mnt) and Samarinda (0.71 mnt) as key ports. India (1.82 mnt) and China (1.42 mnt) were the top destinations, while Jhonlin Group (0.75 mnt), Borneo Indobara (0.66 mnt) and Adaro Indonesia (0.56 mnt) led shipper activity.
• Canada exported 0.72 mnt, led by Roberts Bank at 0.35 mnt and Vancouver at 0.30 mnt. Japan was the leading reported destination at 0.35 mnt, while Elk Valley Resources accounted for 0.30 mnt.

Colombia, South Africa, US support Atlantic coal flows

• Colombia exported 1.76 mnt, with Cerrejon Mines accounting for 0.54 mnt and Prodeco Group 0.41 mnt. Poland (0.21 mnt) and the Netherlands (0.13 mnt) were the leading reported destinations.
• South Africa exported 1.62 mnt entirely through Richards Bay. India (0.48 mnt) and Pakistan (0.39 mnt) were the leading reported destinations, with rail-linked deliveries and terminal operations remaining central to export flows.
• US exports stood at 1.04 mnt, with Baltimore and Norfolk reported as key loading ports. India was the leading reported destination at 0.60 mnt, despite softer overall shipments.

India-bound coal freights diverge

India-bound coal freight markets showed divergent trends, with Pacific routes drawing support from demand and vessel availability, while Atlantic-side activity remained under pressure from softer enquiries. Chartering activity continued to reflect the balance between cargo demand, available tonnage and owners’ rate expectations.

Pacific freight sentiment remained supported by demand on key coal routes, while the Atlantic market faced weaker enquiry levels. The contrasting trends kept freight negotiations route-specific, with vessel positioning and the availability of fresh cargoes remaining important factors.

Outlook

Global coal exports may remain mixed in the coming week, with Indonesian supply availability and Australian loading activity likely to shape Pacific flows. South African shipments will depend on rail-linked deliveries and Richards Bay terminal performance, while Colombian export momentum and demand for US coal will remain key watchpoints.

In freight, Pacific rates may retain support if cargo enquiries and vessel availability remain tight, while Atlantic routes could face continued pressure if fresh fixing activity remains limited. Tonnage positioning, bunker costs and the gap between owners’ expectations and charterers’ workable levels will remain central to market direction.