Indonesia Coal HS2701 Export Data 2025 January Overview

Indonesia Coal (HS 2701) 2025 January Export: Key Takeaways

Indonesia's coal export (HS Code 2701) in January 2025 reveals heavy reliance on India, which dominates 25.48% of volume but pays lower unit prices, signaling demand for lower-grade coal. Buyer concentration is high, with India and China forming a bulk-purchase cluster, while Japan and South Korea command premium prices for higher-quality coal. Declining volumes and pending export duties suggest market volatility, urging diversification to mitigate risks. This analysis, based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database, highlights Indonesia Coal Export 2025 January's vulnerability to shifting demand and policy changes.

Indonesia Coal (HS 2701) 2025 January Export Background

Indonesia’s coal exports (HS Code 2701: Coal; briquettes and similar solid fuels) power key industries like energy and steel, maintaining global demand despite shifting markets. In 2025, Indonesia faced declining volumes, with exports dropping from 30.32 billion kg in January to 27.34 billion kg by October [ytrade], while policy shifts like new export duties and a potential 2026 levy aim to balance revenue and domestic needs. As a top global supplier, Indonesia’s coal export strategy remains critical for buyers in India, China, and Japan, even as the energy transition looms.

Indonesia Coal (HS 2701) 2025 January Export: Trend Summary

Key Observations

Indonesia's coal export volume in January 2025 started at 30.32 billion kg, with a unit price of $0.07 per kg, reflecting a subdued opening amid broader annual declines projected for HS Code 2701 shipments.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The January volume of 30.32 billion kg likely represents a year-over-year decrease, aligning with reports of a 12% drop in early 2025 exports compared to 2024, driven by slowing global demand and seasonal stock drawdowns in key markets like India and China. Unit prices held at $0.07 per kg, or approximately $70 per ton, indicating persistent pressure on value as oversupply and competition intensified. This trend underscores the industry's shift from volume-driven growth to value preservation, with exports concentrated in fewer destinations.

External Context and Outlook

External factors, including Indonesia's finalization of export duties tied to global prices [Antara News] and signals of a potential levy in 2026 (Petromindo), are squeezing margins and accelerating the decline in Indonesia Coal Export volumes. With global demand weakening and domestic energy transition efforts ongoing [ytrade.com], the outlook for HS Code 2701 remains cautious, emphasizing diversification and cost management.

Indonesia Coal (HS 2701) 2025 January Export: HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

In January 2025, Indonesia's coal export under HS Code 2701 was dominated by sub-code 27011900, which is coal other than anthracite and bituminous, with over 80% share in both weight and value. This product has a low unit price of 0.07 USD per kilogram, confirming its role as a high-volume, low-value bulk commodity.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The market splits into two main coal grades: bituminous types with unit prices ranging from 0.09 to 0.11 USD per kilogram, and a tiny anthracite segment. This structure points to a fungible bulk commodity trade, where prices are closely tied to global energy indices rather than product differentiation.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

With most exports being low-value bulk coal, Indonesia faces weak pricing power and vulnerability to market shifts. Recent news of potential export levies and declining demand [Petromindo] underscores the need to diversify into higher-grade coal or alternative energy sources to sustain revenue.

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Indonesia Coal (HS 2701) 2025 January Export: Market Concentration

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

Indonesia's coal export in January 2025 shows strong geographic concentration, with India as the dominant importer by both volume and value. India accounts for 25.48% of the weight and 20.35% of the value, indicating a lower unit price for coal shipped there, likely due to lower-grade or lower-calorific coal demand. This pattern for HS Code 2701 reflects India's high energy needs and cost-sensitive purchasing.

Partner Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The top importers form two clear clusters: high-volume, lower-unit-price buyers like India and China, and medium-volume, higher-unit-price buyers like South Korea and Japan. India and China's large shares suggest bulk purchases for power generation, while South Korea and Japan's higher value ratios point to imports of higher-quality coal for efficient industrial use. Other countries like the Philippines and Malaysia show smaller, varied patterns, possibly due to regional proximity and specific demand.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

For Indonesia coal export 2025 January, the reliance on a few key markets like India increases vulnerability to demand shifts. [ytrade.com] reports declining volumes, so diversifying to higher-value markets like Japan could mitigate risks. Upcoming policy changes, such as export duties (ytrade.com), mean exporters should prepare for cost increases and focus on quality to maintain competitiveness in a transitioning energy landscape.

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Indonesia Coal (HS 2701) 2025 January Export: Buyer Cluster

Buyer Market Concentration and Dominance

The Indonesia Coal Export 2025 January market for HS Code 2701 is heavily concentrated among a core group of high-volume, regular buyers. These four segments of buyers show one group is clearly dominant, accounting for 83.15% of total export value and 70.58% of all shipments. This core group of large, frequent buyers drives the market, with a median shipment size reflecting bulk commodity trading patterns.

Strategic Buyer Clusters and Trade Role

The remaining buyer groups play distinct roles. A small set of infrequent but high-volume buyers contributes nearly 10% of value, likely representing project-based or spot market purchases. Another segment consists of frequent but low-volume buyers, possibly smaller regional traders or blending operations. The final group includes occasional, smaller buyers, which may serve niche markets or trial shipments.

Sales Strategy and Vulnerability

For Indonesian exporters, strategy must focus on retaining the dominant core buyers while managing policy risks. [Petromindo] reports a potential 2026 export levy, which could impact margins. The high dependence on few buyers creates vulnerability to demand shifts, especially as [ytrade] notes declining 2025 export volumes. Sales should prioritize contract stability with major buyers while developing secondary markets for flexibility.

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Indonesia Coal (HS 2701) 2025 January Export: Action Plan for Coal Market Expansion

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

Indonesia Coal Export 2025 January for HS Code 2701 operates as a bulk commodity market. Price is driven by global energy indices and coal grade. High-volume, low-value shipments dominate. Supply chain implications include high exposure to demand shifts in key markets like India and China. Upcoming policy changes, such as export levies, add cost pressure. The market lacks pricing power due to minimal product differentiation.

Action Plan: Data-Driven Steps for Coal Market Execution

• Analyze buyer shipment frequency data to anticipate order cycles. This prevents inventory overstock and optimizes production scheduling.
• Segment export data by coal grade and destination unit value. Focus sales efforts on higher-value markets like Japan and South Korea to improve margins.
• Monitor trade flow data for emerging importers in Southeast Asia. Develop new contracts to reduce reliance on dominant buyers and diversify risk.
• Track regulatory announcements and model cost impacts of new levies. Adjust pricing strategies early to protect profitability under new fiscal policies.

Take Action Now —— Explore Indonesia Coal Export Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The decline in Indonesia's coal exports is driven by slowing global demand, oversupply pressures, and policy risks like upcoming export levies. January 2025 volumes fell 12% year-over-year, with unit prices stagnant at $0.07/kg due to weak pricing power for bulk coal.

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

India dominates as the top importer, accounting for 25.5% of volume and 20.4% of value, followed by China, South Korea, and Japan. The latter two pay higher unit prices for quality coal, while India and China focus on bulk purchases.

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

Price differences reflect coal grade specialization: India and China buy low-value bulk coal (sub-code 27011900 at $0.07/kg), while Japan and South Korea import higher-grade bituminous coal ($0.09–$0.11/kg).

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

Exporters must prioritize contract stability with core buyers (83% of value) while diversifying into higher-value markets like Japan. Managing policy risks, such as the 2026 levy, and improving coal quality are critical.

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

Buyers in India and China benefit from stable bulk supply but face reliance on a concentrated market. High-value buyers (e.g., Japan) secure quality coal but may need to lock in contracts amid declining Indonesian volumes.

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

Most exports (80% under HS 27011900) are low-grade coal for power generation, while bituminous types serve industrial uses. The trade is bulk-oriented, with minimal product differentiation.

Q7. What is yTrade?

yTrade is a global trade data platform that provides SaaS and API access to provide accurate, structured, and searchable import-export trade data for international business decisions. It enables users to access verified shipment records, analyse buyer and supplier activity, review company trade overviews, assess compliance risks, and monitor real market demand — all from a single, scalable system.

Q8. How can yTrade benefit my business?

yTrade helps businesses:

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Q9. What features does yTrade offer?

yTrade provides practical, trade-focused tools including:

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