Indonesia Bituminous Coal HS270112 Export Data 2025 August Overview

Indonesia Bituminous Coal (HS 270112) 2025 August Export: Key Takeaways

In August 2025, Indonesia's Bituminous Coal (HS Code 270112) export reveals Japan as the dominant buyer, accounting for 41.31% of export value but only 31.30% of weight, signaling premium demand for higher-grade coal. China follows with bulk purchases of lower-grade coal, highlighting a stark value-weight disparity. The market shows clear clustering—high-unit-price buyers like Japan and low-unit-price importers like China—driven by regional demand and regulatory factors. This analysis, based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database, underscores Japan's critical role as Indonesia's top high-value destination for Bituminous Coal.

Indonesia Bituminous Coal (HS 270112) 2025 August Export Background

Indonesia’s Bituminous Coal (HS Code 270112) fuels power plants and steel production globally, with steady demand from energy-hungry markets like China and India. Under GR 8/2025, exporters must now retain 100% of proceeds in local banks for 12 months [Orrick], tightening cash flows but reinforcing Indonesia’s role as a top coal exporter. August 2025 data shows continued dominance in bulk shipments, with pricing pressures from energy transition trends.

Indonesia Bituminous Coal (HS 270112) 2025 August Export: Trend Summary

Key Observations

In August 2025, Indonesia's Bituminous Coal exports under HS Code 270112 reached USD 506.10 million in value and 6.15 billion kg in volume, showing a slight dip from July but maintaining strong overall performance for the year.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The August figures represent a minor decrease of approximately 2.4% in value and 0.3% in volume compared to July 2025, reflecting typical seasonal stability in coal exports during this period. Over 2025, exports have fluctuated, with peaks in February and July, driven by cyclical demand from key Asian markets like India and China for power generation and industrial use. This pattern aligns with coal's industry characteristics, where mid-year months often see steadier trade flows before potential winter demand surges.

External Context and Outlook

Regulatory measures, such as Indonesia's GR 8/2025 requiring 100% onshoring of export proceeds [Permitindo], may introduce compliance costs but have not yet significantly disrupted the Indonesia Bituminous Coal HS Code 270112 Export 2025 August trajectory. Continued monitoring of policy enforcement and global energy prices is advised to assess future impacts on trade dynamics.

Indonesia Bituminous Coal (HS 270112) 2025 August Export: HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

In August 2025, Indonesia's export of Bituminous Coal under HS Code 270112 is heavily concentrated in sub-code 27011290, which accounts for nearly 64% of the export value. This sub-code, described as "Coal; bituminous, whether or not pulverised, but not agglomerated", has a unit price of 0.07 USD per kilogram, significantly lower than the 0.10 USD per kilogram for sub-code 27011210, indicating a specialization in lower-cost variants within the same product category. No extreme price anomalies are present, allowing both sub-codes to be included in the main analysis.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The market structure consists of two main categories based on unit price: lower-grade coal (27011290) and higher-grade coal (27011210), both in non-agglomerated form. This division suggests trade in fungible bulk commodities, where prices are closely tied to global energy indices and quality specifications, rather than value-added processing. The absence of agglomerated or processed forms underscores a focus on raw material exports with minimal differentiation.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

As a bulk commodity, Indonesia's Bituminous Coal exports under HS Code 270112 face limited pricing power, driven by global demand and cost competition. Exporters should prioritize operational efficiency and compliance with recent regulations, such as the requirement to retain 100% of export proceeds in Indonesian banks for 12 months under GR 8/2025 [Orrick], which may impact liquidity and strategic planning for August 2025 and beyond.

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Indonesia Bituminous Coal (HS 270112) 2025 August Export: Market Concentration

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

In August 2025, Indonesia's Bituminous Coal HS Code 270112 export is highly concentrated, with Japan as the dominant importer, accounting for 41.31% of the export value but only 31.30% of the weight, indicating a strong preference for higher-grade coal. This value-weight disparity suggests that Japan pays a premium per kilogram, likely due to stricter quality requirements for energy production. China follows as the second-largest importer by value but with a lower value share (24.92%) compared to weight (32.18%), pointing to bulk purchases of lower-grade coal.

Partner Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The importers can be grouped into two main clusters based on trade patterns. First, high-unit-price countries like Japan, Italy, and India, where value ratios exceed weight ratios, imply demand for better-quality coal, possibly for advanced industrial or power generation needs. Second, low-unit-price countries such as China, Vietnam, and Malaysia, with value ratios below weight ratios, suggest cost-driven imports of lower-grade coal for mass energy consumption. Regional economic ties and varying environmental standards likely drive these clusters, with East Asian partners like South Korea and Taiwan showing more balanced trade.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

For Indonesian exporters, prioritizing high-value markets like Japan can boost revenue, but they must adapt to regulatory changes, such as the mandatory retention of 100% export proceeds in local banks under GR 8/2025 [Orrick], which may impact liquidity. Supply chains should remain flexible to cater to grade-specific demand across regions, while monitoring policies like Permendag 8/2025 (Permitindo) for potential shifts in export rules. Diversifying within Asia while maintaining compliance will be key to sustaining growth.

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Indonesia Bituminous Coal (HS 270112) 2025 August Export: Action Plan for Bituminous Coal Market Expansion

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

The Indonesia Bituminous Coal Export 2025 August under HS Code 270112 operates as a bulk commodity market. Price is driven by two factors: coal grade (higher-unit-price 27011210 vs. lower-cost 27011290) and destination-specific demand, with Japan paying a premium for quality. The market is highly concentrated among bulk buyers and in key Asian geographies, creating exposure to global energy price swings and partner economy demand. A new supply chain implication is the mandatory 12-month retention of 100% of export proceeds in Indonesian banks per GR 8/2025, which directly impacts exporter liquidity and cash flow planning for this period.

Action Plan: Data-Driven Steps for Bituminous Coal Market Execution

• Segment buyers by purchase frequency and value using trade data. Focus retention efforts on high-value, high-frequency buyers to secure stable revenue, as they dominate the Indonesia Bituminous Coal Export 2025 August for HS Code 270112.
• Target sales of higher-grade coal (27011210) to markets like Japan and Italy. Their higher unit prices will maximize revenue per shipment and improve margins against rising operational costs.
• Adjust payment and cash flow terms for all buyers to comply with GR 8/2025. Negotiate advances or shorter credit periods to manage the 12-month proceeds retention rule and maintain operational liquidity.
• Monitor real-time export regulation updates, including Permendag 8/2025. Proactive tracking prevents shipment delays or compliance penalties, ensuring smooth supply chain execution for HS Code 270112.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is driving the recent changes in Indonesia Bituminous Coal Export 2025 August?

Indonesia's Bituminous Coal exports in August 2025 saw a minor 2.4% drop in value and 0.3% in volume compared to July, reflecting typical seasonal stability. The market remains dominated by bulk commodity trade, with Japan and China as key importers, while regulatory changes like the mandatory retention of export proceeds in local banks may impact liquidity.

Q2. Who are the main partner countries in this Indonesia Bituminous Coal Export 2025 August?

Japan is the top importer, accounting for 41.31% of export value, followed by China at 24.92%. Japan's higher value-to-weight ratio indicates a preference for premium-grade coal, while China's bulk purchases focus on lower-cost variants.

Q3. Why does the unit price differ across Indonesia Bituminous Coal Export 2025 August partner countries?

Price differences stem from product specialization: sub-code 27011290 (lower-grade coal) trades at 0.07 USD/kg, while 27011210 (higher-grade) commands 0.10 USD/kg. Countries like Japan pay more for quality, whereas China prioritizes cost efficiency.

Q4. What should exporters in Indonesia focus on in the current Bituminous Coal export market?

Exporters should prioritize relationships with dominant bulk buyers (86.76% of trade) while diversifying into niche segments to reduce reliance on a few markets. Compliance with new regulations, such as retaining export proceeds locally, is critical for cash flow management.

Q5. What does this Indonesia Bituminous Coal export pattern mean for buyers in partner countries?

Buyers in high-value markets like Japan benefit from consistent access to premium coal, while cost-driven importers (e.g., China) face stable supply of lower-grade variants. However, all must adapt to potential liquidity constraints due to Indonesia’s new banking rules.

Q6. How is Bituminous Coal typically used in this trade flow?

The coal is primarily exported in raw, non-agglomerated form for power generation and industrial use, with minimal value-added processing. Higher-grade variants cater to advanced energy needs, while lower-grade coal serves mass consumption.