Global seaborne coal shipments dip again w-o-w despite strong Australian exports

• Australian exports jump 33% w-o-w on stronger east coast loadings
• Softer Indonesian, Atlantic cargo flows offset gains elsewhere

Global seaborne coal shipments slipped 0.7% w-o-w to 18.55 million tonnes (mnt) in the week ended 5 Jun 2026, from 18.68 mnt a week earlier, according to BigMint data.

A sharp rise in Australian exports, driven by stronger loadings at key east coast terminals and favourable weather, offset declines across most other major exporters. Indonesian shipments moderated amid softer Chinese buying, while South African and Colombian exports were pressured by weaker demand from key destinations. US exports remained stable on steady metallurgical coal demand and consistent terminal throughput.

Country-wise trends

Port & shipper-wise trends

Pacific flows

• Australian shipments reached 9.01 mnt, led by Newcastle (3.67 mnt), DBCT (1.52 mnt), and Gladstone (1.43 mnt). China (2.64 mnt), Japan (1.88 mnt), and South Korea (1.28 mnt) were the key destinations, while Glencore (0.94 mnt) and BHP (0.91 mnt) led shipments.
• Indonesian shipments stood at 5.45 mnt, with Taboneo (0.87 mnt) and Samarinda (0.83 mnt) as the main loading hubs. China (1.57 mnt), the Philippines (0.80 mnt), and India (0.70 mnt) were the top destinations.
• Canadian shipments totalled 0.89 mnt, led by Roberts Bank (0.56 mnt) and Vancouver (0.25 mnt). South Korea (0.32 mnt) and Japan (0.25 mnt) remained key destinations, while Elk Valley Resources (0.25 mnt) was the leading shipper.

Atlantic flows

• South African shipments were at 1.14 mnt, with Richards Bay (1.14 mnt) remaining the sole export hub. India (0.20 mnt), South Korea (0.15 mnt), and the UAE (0.12 mnt) were the key destinations.
• US shipments held at 1.49 mnt, led by Norfolk (0.48 mnt) and Mobile (0.41 mnt). India (0.22 mnt) and Brazil (0.21 mnt) were the primary destinations.
• Colombian shipments stood at 0.55 mnt, with Puerto Nuevo (0.24 mnt) and Puerto Bolivar (0.20 mnt) leading exports. Prodeco Group (0.30 mnt) and Cerrejon Mines (0.20 mnt) were the key shippers.

Pacific coal freight market steady; Atlantic sentiment weakens

Coal freight rates to India were mixed during the week. Pacific routes remained supported by balanced vessel supply and demand, with the Indonesia-India Supramax market benefiting from tighter vessel availability. Atlantic routes softened on weaker cargo enquiries and limited fixture activity, despite some support from metallurgical coal cargoes.

Outlook

Global coal exports are expected to remain stable. Australian loadings should stay healthy, although scheduled terminal maintenance may cap further gains. Indonesian exports could face pressure from cautious Chinese buying, while South African and Colombian shipments will depend on demand recovery from key import markets. Freight sentiment is likely to remain mixed, with Pacific routes outperforming the Atlantic market.