Week 07: Global coal export shipments rise w-o-w as South Africa, US volumes improve

• South Africa posts sharp recovery as Richards Bay flows normalise
• Freight sentiment remains subdued amid ample vessel availability

Global seaborne coal export shipments increased by 3.5% w-o-w to 16.10 mnt in the week ending 13 February, compared with 15.56 mnt in the previous week, as per BigMint’s vessel line-up data. The recovery was primarily driven by higher loadings from South Africa and the US, while Colombia and Canada witnessed moderation.

The overall improvement reflects smoother vessel arrivals at select origins and steady Asian demand, although buying activity remained measured amid comfortable inventories at destination ports.

Country-wise trends

Port & shipper-wise trends

• Australia: Exports rose to 5.74 mnt. Japan led imports at 1.47 mnt, followed by China at 0.77 mnt. Newcastle loaded 2.23 mnt, while Gladstone and DBCT handled 1.14 mnt and 0.91 mnt, respectively. Glencore shipped 0.69 mnt, marginally ahead of BHP at 0.67 mnt.
• Indonesia: Shipments remained steady at 6.37 mnt. China imported 1.59 mnt, while India took 1.26 mnt. Taboneo and Samarinda handled 1.06 mnt and 1.01 mnt, respectively.
• South Africa: Exports rebounded to 1.13 mnt, entirely from Richards Bay. India absorbed 0.63 mnt, supported by improved rail flows and smoother vessel operations.
• Colombia: Volumes eased to 0.89 mnt. Puerto Bolivar exported 0.36 mnt and Puerto Nuevo 0.17 mnt. Cerrejon Mines shipped 0.36 mnt, followed by Prodeco Group at 0.29 mnt. Turkey imported 0.18 mnt.
• USA: Exports increased to 1.14 mnt. Norfolk led at 0.32 mnt, while Mobile and Baltimore handled 0.31 mnt each. India imported 0.37 mnt.
• Canada: Shipments edged down to 0.83 mnt. Roberts Bank loaded 0.43 mnt, Vancouver 0.40 mnt. Elk Valley Resources shipped 0.40 mnt. Japan imported 0.27 mnt and South Korea 0.24 mnt.

Dry bulk coal freight market sentiment

Freight sentiment remained subdued amid cautious chartering and ample vessel availability across key loading regions. Limited fresh fixtures and measured enquiries kept rates under pressure, particularly on India-bound routes. While softer freight supported selective buying, conservative procurement and balanced tonnage supply capped shipment acceleration.

Outlook

Global coal export shipments are expected to remain broadly stable in the near term, with momentum dependent on fresh buying from India and China, vessel fixture activity, and logistical stability at key load ports. While improved rail flows in South Africa and steady Indonesian cargo availability may support volumes, cautious procurement and balanced freight fundamentals could keep growth gradual.