- August exports rise on Asian demand
- Regional port activity shows contrasting performances
Indonesia’s non- coking coal exports rose in August 2025, climbing 5.46% month-on-month (m-o-m) to 32.1 million tonnes (mnt), compared with 30.43 mnt in July. On a year-on-year (y-o-y) basis, exports increased by 1.78% from August 2024.
The growth was largely supported by demand from Asian buyers, even as countries continue balancing coal use with clean energy goals.
Surge in Asian demand supports export recovery
India, one of Indonesia’s biggest customers, raised imports by 25% m-o-m to 8.13 mnt, likely driven by stock replenishment needs. South Korea and Japan also boosted purchases, with imports up 20.21% to 3.37 mnt and 9.69% to 2.49 mnt, respectively. The Philippines added support with a 9.93% rise to 2.93 mnt.
Conversely, China’s imports slipped 5.29% m-o-m to 7.26 mnt due to increase in their domestic availability, while Malaysia reduced buying by 11.89% to 1.83 mnt.
Regional supply trends remain uneven
Exports from key mining regions displayed mixed patterns. East Kalimantan, the largest contributor, declined 2.73% m-o-m to 15.01 mnt, reflecting cautious mine operations and slower port handling. North Kalimantan dropped more sharply by 14.64% to 1.02 mnt, highlighting weaker logistics.
In contrast, South Kalimantan grew 14.64% to 11.12 mnt, while Sumatra jumped 20.48% to 4.95 mnt, indicating stronger supply momentum.
Port-level activity shows contrasting movement
Indonesia’s ports registered a varied performance. Taboneo Port increased shipments by 11.86% m-o-m to 6.78 mnt, while Bunati grew strongly by 21.46% to 4.13 mnt. Balikpapan reported an impressive 32.49% surge to 2.79 mnt.
Meanwhile, Samarinda saw a mild 1.04% decline to 4.51 mnt. Muara Pantai faced the steepest drop, falling 49.95% to 1.21 mnt.
Benchmark coal prices reflect mixed sentiment
Indonesia’s mid-July 2025 Harga Batubara Acuan (HBA) revealed diverging non-coking coal price trends. High-Calorific Value (High-CV) (6,322 kcal/kg) coal fell $9.7/t to $97.65/t, signaling weaker appetite for premium grades. Mid-CV (5,300 kcal/kg) coal rose $4.44/t to $75.94/t.
Lower grades showed mixed moves, with 4,100 kcal/kg coal falling $1.43/t to $48.35/t, while 3,400 kcal/kg coal edged up $0.13/t to $36/t.
Outlook
Indonesia’s non-coking coal exports are expected to remain supported by demand from India and Northeast Asia, while China’s reduced buying may weigh on momentum. Regional supply is uneven, with South Kalimantan and Sumatra showing strength, but East and North Kalimantan facing challenges.
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