Global seaborne coal trade continues to grow in 2026, showing improvements after last year's decline. These changes are due to disruptions in liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply and changing demand patterns in Asia.
Increase in Seaborne Coal Exports
Seaborne coal exports from January to September 2026 have increased by 3% compared to the previous year. This comes after a 4% decrease in seaborne coal exports in 2025. This improvement is mainly due to disruptions in LNG transportation through the Strait of Hormuz, which has led to increased coal purchases by Asian power plants.
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Impact on Regional Demand
According to a new report from "Coal Market Partners" published by IFCHOR GALBRAITHS, coal demand is heavily dependent on regional changes. Between March and September, seaborne thermal coal imports in Asia remained relatively stable at around 550 million tons. Meanwhile, purchases from China and India decreased by 7% and 10%, respectively, while other Asian countries such as South Korea, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Japan, and Vietnam saw about a 10% increase in coal purchases.
Laura Gomez, a researcher and consultant at IFCHOR GALBRAITHS, stated: "This improvement in seaborne coal trade is noteworthy as it coincides with a decrease in imports to China and India. Demand is shifting towards other Asian markets, partly due to disruptions in LNG supply, while changes in supply sources are affecting established trade routes."
Global Coal Supply Status
On the supply side, Indonesia, responsible for nearly 47% of global seaborne thermal coal trade, faced a 7% decline in its exports from January to September 2026, including a 16% decrease in the third quarter. Forecasts indicate that Indonesia's coal exports will drop to about 450 million tons by 2030.
Meanwhile, metallurgical coal trade is experiencing a different trend. Global metallurgical coal trade from January to September 2026 has increased by 10% compared to the previous year, supported by strong demand from China. Australia's metallurgical coal exports have risen by 13%, and the volume of shipments to China has nearly doubled.
Introduction of New Coal 360 Services
These findings coincide with the introduction of new "Coal 360" services by IFCHOR GALBRAITHS, based on available information regarding iron, agricultural products, and bauxite. Coal 360 provides detailed analyses of global thermal and metallurgical coal markets and includes information on production, exports, trade flows, ports, vessel deployments, and forecasts. These services are supported by regular updates and access to the research and consulting team at IFCHOR GALBRAITHS.
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