Global coal export shipments hit CY'26 weekly high of 20 mnt on strong Pacific flows

• Indonesia, Australia cargo flows strengthen on improved vessel activity
  
  
• Atlantic flows remain mixed as US gains offset South Africa, Colombia weakness
  
  

Global seaborne coal shipments climbed to a CY'26 weekly high of 20.02 million tonnes (mnt) in the week ended 26 June 2026, increasing 1.3% from 19.77 mnt in the previous week, according to BigMint data.

The uptick was primarily driven by firm Pacific cargo flows, with stronger shipments from Indonesia and Australia, supported by steady Asian demand and improved vessel activity. Meanwhile, lower volumes from South Africa, Colombia, and Canada limited overall gains.

Country-wise trends

Port & shipper-wise trends

Pacific flows

• Australian shipments totalled 8.91 mnt, led by Newcastle (3.65 mnt), Gladstone (1.82 mnt), and DBCT (1.35 mnt). Japan (2.05 mnt) and China (1.54 mnt) were the key destinations, while BHP (0.99 mnt) and Glencore (0.71 mnt) led shipments.
  
  
• Indonesian shipments reached 7.38 mnt, with Taboneo (1.55 mnt), Samarinda (0.79 mnt), and Balikpapan (0.75 mnt) emerging as the key loading hubs. China (1.58 mnt), India (1.46 mnt), and the Philippines (0.92 mnt) remained the major destinations.
  
  
• Canadian shipments stood at 0.39 mnt, led by Vancouver (0.16 mnt) and Roberts Bank (0.15 mnt). Japan (0.16 mnt) was the leading destination, while Elk Valley Resources (0.16 mnt) remained the top shipper.
  
  

Atlantic flows

• South African shipments stood at 0.58 mnt, entirely through Richards Bay (0.58 mnt). Japan (0.18 mnt) and Pakistan (0.17 mnt) emerged as the key destinations.
  
  
• US shipments totalled 1.90 mnt, led by Norfolk (0.66 mnt) and Baltimore (0.52 mnt). India (0.43 mnt) remained the top destination amid steady metallurgical coal movement.
  
  
• Colombian shipments reached 0.87 mnt, primarily from Puerto Nuevo (0.63 mnt) and Puerto Bolivar (0.20 mnt). Prodeco Group (0.63 mnt) led shipments, while Brazil (0.28 mnt) and Guatemala (0.14 mnt) were the key destinations.
  
  

Freight sentiment weakens as Pacific pressure outweighs Atlantic support

Coal freight rates to India remained under pressure during the week as subdued Pacific activity, limited fresh enquiries, and ample vessel availability weighed on sentiment. Panamax routes softened amid slower Indonesian and Australian coal movements, while Atlantic routes witnessed comparatively better support from tighter tonnage supply and steady cargo flows. Lower bunker prices provided some cost relief but failed to trigger a broader freight recovery.

Outlook

Global coal shipments are expected to remain steady in the near term, supported by firm Asian demand for Indonesian coal and stable Australian loading programmes. However, weather-related disruptions, port maintenance, and uneven cargo availability may keep regional flows volatile. Freight sentiment is likely to remain mixed, with Pacific oversupply pressuring rates while Atlantic tonnage tightness offers support.