Global coal export shipments extend weekly gains on stronger Pacific flows

• Indonesian and Australian exports supported by firm Asian demand
  
  
• South African shipments weaken amid RBCT and logistics constraints
  
  

Global seaborne coal shipments increased 7.3% w-o-w to 19.38 million tonnes (mnt) in the week ended 1 May 2026, from 18.06 mnt a week earlier, according to BigMint data. Higher exports from Indonesia, Australia, Colombia, and the USA supported overall volumes, aided by firmer Asian buying, improved cargo availability, and smoother vessel operations. However, South African shipments declined sharply amid weaker RBCT throughput and logistical bottlenecks.

Country-wise trends

Port & shipper-wise trends

Pacific flows strengthen

• Australian shipments rose to 7.03 mnt, supported by stronger loadings at Newcastle (3.23 mnt), Gladstone (1.19 mnt) and DBCT (1.05 mnt), amid improved vessel turnaround and steady Asian demand. Japan (1.65 mnt), South Korea (0.85 mnt) and China (0.67 mnt) remained key destinations, while Glencore (1.06 mnt) and BHP (0.84 mnt) led shipments.
  
  
• Indonesian shipments climbed to 7.45 mnt, aided by firm Chinese and Indian buying alongside improved cargo availability. Bunati (1.21 mnt) and Taboneo (1.05 mnt) led exports, while China (1.93 mnt), India (1.72 mnt) and Vietnam (0.67 mnt) emerged as key buyers.
  
  
• Canadian shipments increased to 0.79 mnt, supported by smoother rail logistics and stable Pacific demand. Vancouver (0.35 mnt) and Roberts Bank (0.30 mnt) dominated exports, with Elk Valley Resources (0.35 mnt) leading supply, while Japan (0.22 mnt) remained the primary destination.
  
  

Atlantic flows mixed

• South African shipments eased to 0.98 mnt, with Richards Bay accounting for the bulk of exports amid weaker throughput and logistical bottlenecks. India (0.22 mnt) and Pakistan (0.16 mnt) remained the key destinations.
  
  
• US shipments edged up to 1.92 mnt, supported by steady Atlantic enquiries and smoother terminal operations. Norfolk (0.83 mnt) and Baltimore (0.49 mnt) led exports, while India (0.77 mnt) and the Netherlands (0.36 mnt) emerged as major buyers.
  
  
• Colombian shipments rose to 1.20 mnt, aided by improved mine operations and better vessel line-ups. Puerto Nuevo (0.68 mnt) and Puerto Bolivar (0.49 mnt) led loadings, while Carbosan (0.60 mnt) and Cerrejon Mines (0.57 mnt) supported supply. South Korea (0.36 mnt) and Turkey (0.18 mnt) remained the key destinations.
  
  

Coal freights to India show mixed trend

Coal freight rates to India remained mixed w-o-w. Atlantic routes stayed firm on tighter vessel availability and steady cargo enquiries, while Pacific sentiment remained balanced amid ample tonnage in some vessel segments. Improving cargo flow from Indonesia and Australia supported vessel demand, though overall freight sentiment remained cautious.

Outlook

Coal shipments are expected to remain mixed in the near term. Indonesian exports may stay supported by firm Asian demand, while Australian volumes are likely to remain stable on improved terminal performance. Atlantic flows could remain uneven amid South African logistical constraints, although US and Colombian exports may continue to find support from steady demand. Freight markets are expected to remain regionally divergent.