South Africa: Non-coking coal exports decline by over 20% m-o-m in Apr’25

• Exports to India decline, shipments to Pakistan rise
• India’s portside tags of RB3 rise, RB2 hold firm m-o-m

South Africa’s non-coking coal exports fell 23% m-o-m to 5.24 million tonnes (mnt) in April 2025 from 6.83 mnt in March, as per BigMint data. The decline follows a sharp rebound in March and could be attributed to temporary logistical or demand-side constraints. The cumulative export volume for January-April 2025 stood at 22.51 mnt.

India’s imports ease but remain robust

India’s imports declined slightly by 8% to 3.24 mnt in April from 3.54 mnt in March. Despite the dip, volumes remained strong amid steady portside prices and continued demand from sponge iron units.

Other key buyers

Pakistan’s imports increased to 0.42 mnt in April from 0.32 mnt in March, indicating improved buying appetite.

Japan’s imports dropped sharply by 76% m-o-m, to just 0.07 mnt from 0.29 mnt.

South Korea and the Netherlands did not receive any shipments in April, after importing 0.26 mnt and 0.32 mnt, respectively, in March.

Morocco’s imports remained steady m-o-m at 0.32 mnt, while Israel and Mauritius significantly ramped up buying to 0.06 mnt and 0.23 mnt, respectively.

RB3 prices rise, RB2 stable

• As per BigMint’s assessment, ex-Gangavaram prices of South African RB3 (4800 NAR) averaged INR 7,200/t in April, up from INR 7,100/t in March amid tight availability.
• RB2 (5500 NAR) remained steady m-o-m at INR 8,450/t. Trade stayed slow, as auctions by Coal India subsidiaries continued to offer material at competitive rates.

Market overview