Coal Export 2025: Market Shift
Global Coal Export Market Landscape
Product Definition
In global trade, Coal is tracked under HS Code 2701, covering bituminous and anthracite coal primarily used for power generation and industrial processes. As a critical energy commodity, it remains central to developing economies despite growing renewable adoption.
Strategic Insights
- Market Momentum: Global coal exports faced sharp declines in 2025, with value plummeting from a Q1 peak of $13.20B to $3.14B by November, reflecting eroding demand and energy transition pressures.
- Geographic Power: Supply is monopolized by Indonesia (48.33% share), while demand is concentrated in India (83.24% of imports), creating an asymmetric, intra-Asian trade flow.
- Supply Chain Structure: The market is giant-driven, with Dominators controlling 93% of import value, while Bulk Movers (e.g., PT BERAU COAL) hold premium pricing power. Buyers face over-reliance risks on few suppliers.
Global Coal Export Trend in 2025 Whole Year
Global coal exports faced significant headwinds in 2025, reflecting a broader market softening as renewable energy adoption accelerated and key markets like the U.S. reported double-digit declines [EIA].
- Aggregate Performance: The sector exhibited high volatility with a net downward trajectory, as total observed export value fell substantially from the year's peak.
- Period Dynamics: Momentum sharply reversed from a strong Q1 peak of $13.20B in March to a low of $3.14B by November, indicating eroding demand.
Table: Coal Export Trend in 2025 Whole Year
| Date | Value | Weight | Unit Price | Value MoM | Weight MoM | Unit Price MoM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-01-01 | 8.87B USD | 90.01B kg | $0.10/kg | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2025-02-01 | 12.38B USD | 143.21B kg | $0.09/kg | +39.61% | +59.11% | -12.26% |
| 2025-03-01 | 13.20B USD | 163.97B kg | $0.08/kg | +6.61% | +14.49% | -6.89% |
| 2025-04-01 | 8.84B USD | 66.14B kg | $0.13/kg | -32.98% | -59.66% | +66.16% |
| 2025-05-01 | 8.62B USD | 66.09B kg | $0.13/kg | -2.56% | -0.08% | -2.49% |
| 2025-06-01 | 7.74B USD | 59.58B kg | $0.13/kg | -10.21% | -9.85% | -0.39% |
| 2025-07-01 | 7.46B USD | 62.33B kg | $0.12/kg | -3.61% | +4.62% | -7.87% |
| ***** | ***** | ***** | ***** | ***** | ***** | ***** |
| 2025-09-01 | 7.25B USD | 82.68B kg | $0.09/kg | ***** | ***** | ***** |
| 2025-10-01 | 5.46B USD | 56.65B kg | $0.10/kg | -24.73% | -31.48% | +9.85% |
| 2025-11-01 | 3.14B USD | 45.29B kg | $0.07/kg | -42.39% | -20.07% | -27.93% |
Coal Global Market Structure: Supply vs. Demand
Top Origin Countries & Production Hubs
- Indonesia dominates supply, commanding 48.33% of global export value ($160.41B) and 47.48% of weight. This establishes a monopolistic position.
- Supply structure is highly concentrated. The top 3 exporters (Indonesia, Australia, Russia) account for 68.14% of export value.
- Russia (8.91% value share) and Australia (10.90% value share) are key challengers, though significantly smaller than Indonesia. South Africa (8.77% value) and the United States (6.46% value) also hold notable shares.
Top Destination Countries & Consumption Markets
- India is the overwhelming primary buyer, capturing 83.24% of global import value ($273.06B). China Mainland is a distant second by value (2.76%, $9.05B), but leads by quantity (15.24% share).
- Demand is driven by industrial consumption and power generation in major developing economies. India and China's massive volumes reflect domestic energy needs. Vietnam, Philippines, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Japan, and South Korea further demonstrate demand concentrated in Asia's industrializing and power-hungry nations.
- Vietnam (2.34% value) and the Philippines (1.34% value) are notable emerging importers within the top tier.
Supply-Demand Dynamics
- Extremely concentrated supply meets highly concentrated demand. Indonesia's supply dominance directly faces India's demand dominance.
- Trade flows are predominantly intra-Asian, with Indonesia, Australia, and Russia supplying India, China, Vietnam, and other Asian economies. Mongolia's high export frequency points to significant flows into China.
- Pricing power resides firmly with key exporters, particularly Indonesia, given its overwhelming market share on the supply side facing a single dominant buyer (India).
Table: Global Coal Export —— Top Destination Countries
| Destination Country | Value | Quantity | Frequency | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| INDIA | 273.06B | 19.55B | 14.15K | 173.47B |
| CHINA MAINLAND | 9.05B | 25.59B | 172.11K | 128.38B |
| VIETNAM | 7.68B | 124.05M | 5.14K | 25.84B |
| PHILIPPINES | 4.40B | 92.49M | 1.67K | 68.67B |
| MALAYSIA | 3.88B | 18.28B | 3.20K | 36.57B |
| INDONESIA | ****** | ****** | ****** | ****** |
Check Coal Export Detailed Country Profile
Table: Global Coal Export —— Top origin Countries
| Origin Country | Value | Quantity | Frequency | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| INDONESIA | 160.41B | 16.41B | 16.77K | 424.67B |
| AUSTRALIA | 36.16B | 6.39B | 2.52K | 18.70B |
| RUSSIA | 29.58B | 5.47B | 15.19K | 246.54B |
| SOUTH AFRICA | 29.10B | 6.86B | 4.27K | 8.60B |
| UNITED STATES | 21.44B | 8.01B | 2.02K | 15.31B |
| SINGAPORE | ****** | ****** | ****** | ****** |
Check Coal Export Detailed Country Profile
Global Coal Export Analysis: Key Suppliers & Buyers
Suppliers Concentration & Strategy
- Power Center: Fragmented. Dominators (30.78% value share) control 84.39% shipments but Bulk Movers hold 68.24% value.
- Operational Style: High-frequency shipping dominates (84.39% of shipments) but bulk shipments drive revenue.
- Risk/Opportunity: Buyers face negotiation complexity – Dominators offer stable volume but Bulk Movers control premium value. Diversify sourcing to avoid over-reliance on either segment.
Oversea Buyers Procurement Patterns
- Procurement Behavior: Centralized bulk buying. Dominators drive 93.36% value with 90.46% volume via frequent, large shipments.
- Market Tier: Giant-driven. Dominators (Inner Mongolia South Gobi Energy Llc, others) command 93% value share. Other clusters are marginal.
Market Entry & Negotiation Strategy
- For New Suppliers: Target Bulk Movers (PT BERAU COAL, etc.) for high-value deals. Avoid price wars with Dominators’ volume leverage.
- For New Buyers: Secure long-term contracts with Dominators for supply stability. Use Bulk Movers for spot volume top-ups.
- Critical Risk: Over-dependence on Dominator buyers. Develop contingency plans for supply chain disruptions.
Table: Global Coal Export —— Top Buyers
| Buyer Company | Value | Quantity | Frequency | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TNB FUEL SERVICES SDN.BHD | 3.17B | 13.08B | 1.88K | 28.15B |
| TNB FUEL SERVICES SDN.BHD | 3.17B | 13.08B | 1.88K | 28.15B |
| ASHON INTERNATIONAL DMCC | 2.82B | 60.00K | 1.69K | 69.70B |
| өвөр монголын саусгоби энержи ххк | ****** | ****** | ****** | ****** |
Access Coal Trade Company Profile
Table: Global Coal Export —— Top Suppliers
| Supplier Company | Value | Quantity | Frequency | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADARO INDONESIA | 2.35B | 35.51M | 618.00 | 33.87B |
| ООО КАРБОНПРО | 1.86B | N/A | 1.17K | 48.20B |
| ООО КАРБОНПРО | 1.86B | N/A | 1.17K | 48.20B |
| АО НОВЫЙ МИР | ****** | ****** | ****** | ****** |
Access Coal Trade Company Profile
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HS Code for Coal?
HS Code 2701 covers all forms of coal, including anthracite, bituminous coal, and lignite, whether pulverized or not.
Which country is the largest exporter of Coal in 2025 Whole Year?
Indonesia dominates global coal supply, with exports worth $160.41B in 2025.
Who are the top importers of Coal in 2025 Whole Year?
India ($273.06B), China ($9.05B), and Vietnam ($7.68B) lead coal imports, driven by energy demand and industrial consumption.
Who are the major suppliers and companies trading Coal in 2025 Whole Year?
Top buyers include TNB Fuel Services Sdn.Bhd ($3.17B) and Ashon International DMCC ($2.82B). Key suppliers are Adaro Indonesia ($2.35B) and ООО Карбонпро ($1.86B).
Why do Coal import rankings sometimes differ from export destination lists?
Trade asymmetries occur because export data (reported as FOB value) lists the intended destination, while import data (CIF value) reflects the actual arrival. Discrepancies also arise due to trans-shipments via intermediary hubs.
How to find reliable Coal suppliers and exporters in 2025 Whole Year?
Access verified shipment records, bill of lading details, and active supplier lists for HS Code 2701 via the yTrade database, focusing on key regions like Indonesia.
Coal Export 2024: Market Momentum
Track global coal export trends for HS 2701 on yTrade. Indonesia leads with $47.32B, while India and China drive demand. Explore key suppliers and trade insights.
Coal Import 2023: Market Shift
Track global Coal import trends for HS Code 2701 on yTrade. Data reveals Indonesia and Russia dominate supply, while India and China lead demand amid volatile market dynamics.
