Colombia's coal exports reached 23.5 million tons in 2026, reflecting a 17.4% increase compared to the previous year. The country, due to its strategic location on the Caribbean coast, has access to Atlantic and Mediterranean markets, and long-term trade with Asia could create more demand. However, the impact of demand on ships depends on the destinations of these shipments.
Production and Challenges of Colombia's Coal Industry
The amount of coal exports in July decreased to 4.1 million tons, equivalent to a 13.6% decrease compared to the previous year. Despite this decline, Colombia's coal industry is currently operating below its historical production capacity. The largest coal mine in Colombia, Cerrejon, produced only 16.8 million tons of coal in 2025, down from 19.2 million tons in 2024. This reduction has been attributed to difficult economic conditions in the thermal coal market, and the goal of reducing production has been to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
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For this reason, the increase in exports should not be interpreted as a structural expansion in supply. Rather, this increase represents a recovery from a limited base, and the country's ability to increase production depends on mining economics, logistics, and government policies.
Reopening of the Israeli Market and Increased Demand
The reopening of the Israeli market could be a significant factor in increasing demand for Colombian coal. The previous Colombian government imposed a ban on thermal coal exports to Israel in 2024, which was intensified in 2025. However, the new government has reversed this policy and resumed coal exports from Colombia to Israel. In 2023, Colombia became the largest coal supplier to Israel, exporting 3.04 million tons. Thus, the reopening of the Israeli market provides access to a stabilized market.
Colombian coal heading towards the Eastern Mediterranean generates more demand compared to shipments that are unloaded at Atlantic destinations. Therefore, even a slight recovery in Colombia's exports to Israel could create additional job opportunities for ships and long-term demand for tonne-mile.
However, the effects of this change will be gradual, as Colombia is unlikely to have massive export volumes as before. Coal producers have redirected some of their production to other destinations due to the ban and are reducing their reliance on coal by transitioning to natural gas.
Overall, the outlook for Colombian coal is improving, although operational disruptions remain a key constraint in the short term. The reopening of the Israeli market could diversify export flows and support greater long-term demand for tonne-mile. Additionally, improved production could expand Colombia's marine export base.
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