Global seaborne coal shipments hit 4-week high, up 15% w-o-w on stronger Pacific exports

• Australia, Indonesia, South Africa drive weekly export growth
• Improved logistics, strong Asian demand support cargo flows

Global seaborne coal shipments rose 14.9% w-o-w to a four-week high of 18.68 million tonnes (mnt) in the week ended 29 May 2026, from 16.26 mnt a week earlier, according to BigMint data.

Higher exports from Australia, Indonesia, South Africa, Colombia, and Canada supported the recovery, aided by improved loading activity, stronger Asian demand, and better rail performance. The gains offset lower US shipments amid softer buying interest and limited enquiries.

Country-wise trends

Port & shipper-wise trends

Pacific flows

• Australian shipments rose to 6.76 mnt. Newcastle (3.02 mnt), Gladstone (1.20 mnt) and Abbot Point (0.96 mnt) led exports, while China (1.97 mnt), Japan (1.38 mnt) and South Korea (0.79 mnt) remained key destinations. Glencore (1.31 mnt) and BHP (0.70 mnt) were the leading shippers.
• Indonesian shipments increased to 6.84 mnt. Taboneo (1.20 mnt) and Bunati (1.05 mnt) remained the key loading hubs, while China (1.82 mnt) and India (1.22 mnt) were the key importers.
• Canadian shipments rose to 1.04 mnt. Roberts Bank (0.75 mnt), Vancouver (0.18 mnt), and Prince Rupert (0.12 mnt) led exports, while Japan (0.35 mnt) and China (0.28 mnt) remained key destinations. Elk Valley Resources (0.18 mnt) was the leading shipper.

Atlantic flows

• South African shipments surged to 1.68 mnt. Richards Bay (1.68 mnt) remained the sole export hub, while India (1.02 mnt) was the key destination.
• US shipments declined to 1.49 mnt. Norfolk (0.50 mnt) and Baltimore (0.44 mnt) led exports, while India (0.43 mnt) emerged as the key destination.
• Colombian shipments increased to 0.87 mnt. Puerto Nuevo (0.48 mnt), Puerto Bolivar (0.17 mnt), and Cartagena (0.13 mnt) led exports, while Carbosan (0.56 mnt) and Cerrejon Mines (0.17 mnt) supported supply. Brazil (0.20 mnt) and Poland (0.11 mnt) remained key destinations.

Coal freights to India soften on limited enquiries

Coal freights to India softened across major routes during the week amid thin cargo enquiries and limited fixture activity. Pacific Panamax sentiment remained subdued due to ample vessel availability and slow chartering activity, while Supramax rates also eased as fresh cargo demand remained limited. Atlantic markets were largely range-bound, with weaker spot activity offsetting support from occasional met coal enquiries.

Outlook

Global coal exports are expected to remain supported by steady Asian demand and improved logistics across major exporting regions. Australian and Indonesian cargo flows may remain healthy if Chinese and Indian buying persists, while South African exports could benefit from continued rail improvements. However, softer freight sentiment and cautious spot market activity may limit momentum in some trade lanes.