Global seaborne coal exports fall 12% w-o-w after hitting eight-week high

• Lower exports from Australia, Indonesia, South Africa weigh on total
• India-bound coal freights increase as prompt tonnage tightens

Global seaborne coal exports fell 12.1% w-o-w to 17.06 million tonnes (mnt) in Week 36 (29 August-4 September 2026), retreating from an eight-week high in the previous week. Softer shipments from Australia, Indonesia and South Africa outweighed firmer US and Canadian flows.

Australia remained the top exporter at 6.57 mnt, followed by Indonesia at 5.69 mnt. US shipments rose 17.3% w-o-w to 1.63 mnt, while Canada gained 13.3% to 1.02 mnt. Indonesian flows faced constraints from low Kalimantan river levels and tighter production availability, while South African shipments softened after a strong prior week. Colombian exports remained under pressure from rail disruptions and blockades.

Country-wise exports

Port-wise exports

Australia, Indonesia anchor Pacific coal flows

• Australia shipped 6.57 mnt, with Newcastle contributing 2.66 mnt, followed by Gladstone at 1.28 mnt and DBCT at 1.21 mnt. Japan (2.22 mnt) and China (2.20 mnt) were the key destinations, while Glencore (0.63 mnt), BHP (0.51 mnt) and Yancoal (0.39 mnt) led shipper activity.
• Indonesia shipped 5.69 mnt, with Taboneo (0.92 mnt), Samarinda (0.84 mnt), Bunati (0.65 mnt) and Balikpapan (0.55 mnt) as the key loading hubs. China (1.29 mnt) and India (0.98 mnt) were the leading destinations, while Jhonlin Group (0.74 mnt), Bukit Asam (0.59 mnt), Adaro Indonesia (0.58 mnt) and Bayan Resources (0.55 mnt) led shipper activity.
• Canada shipped 1.02 mnt, with Roberts Bank contributing 0.64 mnt, followed by Vancouver at 0.27 mnt and Prince Rupert at 0.12 mnt. South Korea (0.40 mnt) and Japan (0.29 mnt) were the main destinations, while Elk Valley Resources (0.27 mnt) led shipper activity.

South Africa, Colombia remain under pressure

• South African shipments stood at 1.28 mnt, all through Richards Bay. India (0.40 mnt), Pakistan (0.38 mnt) and Bangladesh (0.23 mnt) were the key destinations.
• Colombia shipped 0.81 mnt, with Puerto Nuevo accounting for 0.47 mnt and Puerto Bolivar 0.34 mnt. Brazil (0.30 mnt) and the Netherlands (0.18 mnt) were the leading destinations, while Prodeco Group (0.47 mnt) and Cerrejon Mines (0.34 mnt) accounted for the reported shipper volumes.
• US exports stood at 1.63 mnt, with Norfolk contributing 0.74 mnt and Baltimore 0.41 mnt among the key loading points. India was the leading destination at 0.53 mnt.

Panamax freight firms on tighter prompt tonnage, while Supramax stays selective

India-bound coal freight markets remained firm across the Pacific and Atlantic, supported by improving coal enquiries, tighter prompt tonnage and a firmer dry bulk market. Australian demand supported Pacific rates, while South Africa-India freights reached over one-week highs. Supramax activity remained selective as thin Indonesia-India cargoes limited fixing, although firm West Coast India demand and owner resistance to lower bids continued to support freight sentiment.

Outlook

Global coal exports enter the next week on a softer supply footing, with Australian and Indonesian shipments, Kalimantan logistics and South African rail performance likely to remain key drivers. US and Canadian flows could provide some offset, while Colombian rail disruptions remain a downside risk.

In freight, Panamax rates could remain supported across the Pacific and Atlantic as owners hold firm on offers and India-bound demand stays active. Supramax activity may remain selective, with limited Indonesia-India enquiries offset by firm West Coast India demand.