Global coal export shipments surge 15% w-o-w, ending two-week decline

• Improved Queensland loadings boost Australian shipments
  
  
• Shipments from Atlantic suppliers rise amid firmer cargo flow
  
  

Global seaborne coal shipments rose 14.5% w-o-w to 19.77 million tonnes (mnt) in the week ended 19 June 2026, from 17.26 mnt a week earlier, according to BigMint data. This follows two consecutive weeks of decline, with higher cargo availability in Australia, South Africa, and Colombia, along with firm Indonesian loadings, driving the recovery, while the US and Canada recorded modest declines.

Country-wise trends

Port & shipper-wise trends

Pacific flows

• Australian shipments totalled 8.46 mnt, led by Newcastle (4.02 mnt), Gladstone (1.40 mnt), and DBCT (1.34 mnt). Japan (2.29 mnt), China (2.23 mnt), and South Korea (1.38 mnt) were the key destinations, while BHP (1.10 mnt) and Glencore (0.90 mnt) led shipments.
  
  
• Indonesian shipments reached 6.50 mnt, with Taboneo (1.40 mnt), Bunati (0.76 mnt), and Samarinda (0.64 mnt) as the main loading hubs. China (2.16 mnt), the Philippines (0.76 mnt), and India (0.73 mnt) were the key destinations, while Adaro Indonesia (0.75 mnt) and Borneo Indobara (0.69 mnt) were the leading shippers.
  
  
• Canadian shipments stood at 0.90 mnt, led by Roberts Bank (0.55 mnt), Vancouver (0.19 mnt), and Prince Rupert (0.16 mnt). Japan (0.17 mnt), China (0.16 mnt), and South Korea (0.15 mnt) were the key destinations, with Elk Valley Resources (0.19 mnt) as the leading shipper.
  
  

Atlantic flows

• South African shipments stood at 1.51 mnt, entirely through Richards Bay (1.51 mnt), with India (0.49 mnt) as the key destination.
  
  
• US shipments totalled 1.13 mnt, led by Norfolk (0.43 mnt) and Baltimore (0.33 mnt), with India (0.26 mnt) as the top destination.
  
  
• Colombian shipments reached 1.28 mnt, led by Puerto Bolivar (0.54 mnt) and Puerto Nuevo (0.52 mnt). Prodeco Group (0.58 mnt) and Cerrejn Mines (0.54 mnt) led shipments, while Turkiye (0.17 mnt) and South Korea (0.16 mnt) were the key destinations.
  
  

Pacific freight weakens; Atlantic retains support

Coal freights to India remained mixed during the week. Pacific Panamax routes stayed under pressure as limited cargo enquiries and ample prompt vessel supply weighed on sentiment. In contrast, Atlantic routes remained comparatively firm, supported by tighter vessel availability and steady cargo demand. Lower bunker prices eased voyage costs but had a limited impact on overall freight sentiment.

Outlook

Global coal shipments are expected to remain supported in the near term, backed by healthy Australian loading programmes, steadydemand for Indonesian material, and improved rail performance in South Africa. Freight sentiment may remain mixed, with ample vessel availability likely to pressure Pacific routes, while tighter Atlantic tonnage should continue to underpin rates.