Global coal export shipments decline 5% w-o-w on softer Asian, Atlantic demand

• Australian, South African flows strengthen on firmer throughput
  
  
• Indonesian, Colombian exports pressured by softer demand
  
  

Global seaborne coal shipments fell 4.9% w-o-w to 18.44 million tonnes (mnt) in the week ended 8 May 2026, from 19.38 mnt a week earlier, according to BigMint data.

Lower exports from Indonesia, Colombia, Canada, and the USA weighed on volumes amid muted Asian buying and softer Atlantic demand. However, stronger Australian and South African shipments partly offset the decline, supported by firmer terminal throughput and improved logistics.

Country-wise trends

Port & shipper-wise trends

Pacific flows

• Australian shipments rose to 7.57 mnt, supported by stronger loadings at Newcastle (3.36 mnt), Gladstone (1.34 mnt) and DBCT (1.25 mnt). Japan (2.37 mnt) and China (1.27 mnt) remained key destinations, while Glencore (1.23 mnt) and BHP (0.99 mnt) led shipments.
  
  
• Indonesian shipments fell to 6.15 mnt amid softer Chinese demand and slower cargo flows. Samarinda (1.07 mnt) and Taboneo (1.03 mnt) led exports, while China (1.38 mnt) and India (1.01 mnt) remained key buyers.
  
  
• Canadian shipments stood at 0.63 mnt amid softer Pacific demand and slower rail arrivals. Roberts Bank (0.33 mnt) and Vancouver (0.27 mnt) dominated exports, while Elk Valley Resources (0.27 mnt) led supply. South Korea (0.27 mnt) remained the key destination.
  
  

Atlantic flows

• South African shipments climbed to 1.44 mnt, supported by improved RBCT throughput and rail performance. Richards Bay accounted for the bulk of exports, while India (0.44 mnt) and China (0.18 mnt) remained key destinations.
  
  
• US shipments eased to 1.74 mnt amid slower Atlantic fixtures and cautious spot enquiries. Baltimore (0.61 mnt) and Norfolk (0.58 mnt) led exports, while India (0.65 mnt) remained the top buyer.
  
  
• Colombian shipments declined to 0.91 mnt amid weak Atlantic demand and softer cargo availability. Puerto Nuevo (0.48 mnt) and Puerto Bolivar (0.37 mnt) led loadings, while Carbosan (0.54 mnt) and Cerrejon Mines (0.37 mnt) supported supply. Hong Kong (0.18 mnt) and Guatemala (0.12 mnt) emerged as key destinations.
  
  

Coal freights to India show mixed trend

Coal freight rates to India remained mixed w-o-w. Panamax sentiment stayed firm on tight tonnage and steady cargo activity, while Supramax rates remained under pressure amid ample vessel availability and slower spot fixtures. Pacific activity stayed balanced, though overall sentiment remained cautious.

Outlook

Coal export flows are expected to remain mixed in the near term. Australian shipments may stay supported by steady Asian demand, while Indonesian cargoes could remain under pressure amid cautious Chinese buying. South African exports may continue improving on firmer RBCT operations, though Atlantic demand trends remain uneven.