Global seaborne coal exports fall 9% w-o-w as Indonesian, Colombian shipments weaken

• Australia holds firm, South African exports recover
• Softer Chinese demand weighs on Indonesian exports

Global seaborne coal exports declined 9.1% w-o-w to 17.57 million tonnes (mnt) in Week 32 (1-7 August 2026) from 19.33 mnt a week earlier. The decline was led by lower shipments from Indonesia and Colombia, while Australia remained broadly stable and South African exports recovered.

Indonesia’s shipments were affected by tighter production controls and softer Chinese seaborne demand. In South Africa, improved Transnet rail performance supported a recovery in export flows. Australia remained the largest exporter at 7.02 mnt, followed by Indonesia at 6.08 mnt.

Country-wise exports

Port-wise exports

Australia, Indonesia lead Pacific coal shipments

• Australia shipped 7.02 mnt, led by Newcastle (2.66 mnt), Gladstone (1.56 mnt), and DBCT (1.36 mnt). Japan (1.76 mnt) remained the largest destination, followed by China (1.11 mnt) and South Korea (1.05 mnt). Glencore (1.02 mnt) and BHP (0.64 mnt) led shipments.
• Indonesia exported 6.08 mnt, with Bunati (0.90 mnt), Samarinda (0.83 mnt), and Taboneo (0.83 mnt) as key loading hubs. China (1.22 mnt) remained the largest importer, followed by India (1.16 mnt). Jhonlin Group (0.71 mnt) and Adaro Indonesia (0.64 mnt) led shipper activity.
• Canadian exports reached 0.86 mnt, supported by Roberts Bank (0.45 mnt), Vancouver (0.26 mnt), and Prince Rupert (0.16 mnt). South Korea (0.41 mnt) remained the leading destination, followed by Japan (0.28 mnt) and China (0.17 mnt). Elk Valley Resources (0.26 mnt) topped shipper activity.

Atlantic Basin exports remain mixed

• South African shipments stood at 1.02 mnt, with Richards Bay accounting for the entire volume. South Korea (0.31 mnt) was the leading destination, followed by Pakistan (0.27 mnt) and India (0.17 mnt).
• The US exported 1.44 mnt, led by Norfolk (0.50 mnt), Mobile (0.39 mnt), and Baltimore (0.36 mnt). India (0.22 mnt) remained the largest destination, followed by Germany (0.17 mnt) and Morocco (0.15 mnt).
• Colombia shipped 1.16 mnt, with Puerto Nuevo (0.73 mnt), Puerto Bolivar (0.26 mnt), and Barranquilla (0.13 mnt) handling most cargoes. The Netherlands (0.33 mnt) led destinations, followed by Brazil (0.21 mnt) and Poland (0.10 mnt). Prodeco Group (0.50 mnt), Carbosan (0.27 mnt), and Cerrejon Mines (0.26 mnt) led shipper activity.

Freight market diverges across vessel segments

India-bound coal freights showed a divergent trend across vessel segments. Panamax rates gained support from Australian coal demand and tighter prompt tonnage, while Supramax remained softer as Indonesian enquiries stayed limited and vessel availability remained comfortable.

Outlook

Global coal export flows are likely to remain mixed, with Asian buying, Indonesian production controls, and Chinese import demand key variables. Improved rail performance could support South African shipments, while softer Chinese demand may continue to weigh on Indonesian flows.