Coal rose to 112 USD/T on July 11, 2025, up 0.90% from the previous day. Over the past month, Coal's price has risen 7.07%, but it is still 16.32% lower than a year ago, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Coal - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on July of 2025.

The global coal price index reached 138.87 index points in May 2025. This was a decrease compared to the previous month, which also reflected a fall in the overall fuel energy price index. The global coal index expresses trading of Australian and South African coal, as both countries are among the largest exporters of coal worldwide. How coal profited from the 2022 gas crunch Throughout 2022, coal prices saw a significant net increase. This was largely due to greater fuel and electricity demand as countries slowly exited more stringent coronavirus restrictions, as well as fallout from the Russia-Ukraine war. As many European countries moved to curtailing gas imports from Russia, coal became the alternative to fill the power supply gap, more than doubling the annual average price index between 2021 and 2022. Main coal traders and receivers Although China makes up by far the largest share of worldwide coal production, it is among those countries consuming the majority of its extracted raw materials domestically. In terms of exports, Indonesia, the world's third-largest coal producer, trades more coal than any other country, followed by Australia and Russia. Meanwhile, Japan, South Korea, and Germany are among the leading coal importers, as these countries rely heavily on coal for electricity and heat generation.

It is forecast that the average price for hard coking coal in 2026 will be ***** nominal U.S. dollars per metric ton. Meanwhile, the average price for semi-soft coking coal is forecast to be ****** nominal U.S. dollars per metric ton that year.

China Producer Price Index: Mfg Good: Coal data was reported at 91.800 Prev Year=100 in 2024. This records an increase from the previous number of 88.100 Prev Year=100 for 2023. China Producer Price Index: Mfg Good: Coal data is updated yearly, averaging 103.840 Prev Year=100 from Dec 2002 (Median) to 2024, with 23 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 145.100 Prev Year=100 in 2021 and a record low of 85.265 Prev Year=100 in 2015. China Producer Price Index: Mfg Good: Coal data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Inflation – Table CN.IE: Producer Price Index.

United States' electricity producers paid about 2.75 U.S. dollars per million British thermal unit for natural gas in 2024. Meanwhile, coal power plant operators paid an average of 2.48 U.S. dollars. In the last decade, the price of natural gas used for electricity generation has seen a net decrease, followed by a considerable rise in 2022. Coal, on the other hand, has consistently been among the cheapest fuel types used in the power sector. Natural gas prices and the influence of oil demand As it is often produced alongside oil, prices for natural gas are shaped by overall market developments of the oil and gas industry. When an overproduction of oil led to the oil glut between 2015 and 2016, natural gas prices fell notably. The same circumstance could be observed in 2020 when a fall in oil demand brought many benchmarks such as WTI and Brent to historic lows and also resulted in the Henry Hub price falling to a 21-year low. Apart from petroleum, which is an expensive and inefficient means of power production, fossil fuel costs for electricity generation have declined since 2022. Shift away from conventional energy sources Although renewable technologies were once thought to be very expensive, greater investments have quickly rendered their levelized cost of energy generation on par with fossil fuels, especially when deployed on a utility-scale. The aging coal fleet is a prime example of the increasing necessity to switch to carbon neutral technologies. Older coal plants are dealing with increasing maintenance costs as well as environmental regulations forcing the installation of pollution controls.

China Market Price: Power Coal: 5500-6000 Calorie: Price at Mines data was reported at 560.000 RMB/Ton in Feb 2019. This records a decrease from the previous number of 565.000 RMB/Ton for Jan 2019. China Market Price: Power Coal: 5500-6000 Calorie: Price at Mines data is updated monthly, averaging 493.000 RMB/Ton from Apr 2014 (Median) to Feb 2019, with 59 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 631.000 RMB/Ton in Dec 2018 and a record low of 322.000 RMB/Ton in Jan 2016. China Market Price: Power Coal: 5500-6000 Calorie: Price at Mines data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Price Monitoring Center, NDRC. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Price – Table CN.PA: Price Monitoring Center, NDRC: Market and Contract Price: Coal.

Graph and download economic data for Global price of Coal, Australia (PCOALAUUSDM) from Jan 1990 to May 2025 about coal, Australia, World, and price.

Australia BHP: Average Realized Price: Coal: Metallurgical Coal data was reported at 177.220 USD/Tonne in Jun 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 164.220 USD/Tonne for Dec 2017. Australia BHP: Average Realized Price: Coal: Metallurgical Coal data is updated semiannually, averaging 164.220 USD/Tonne from Jun 2017 (Median) to Jun 2018, with 3 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 177.220 USD/Tonne in Jun 2018 and a record low of 163.300 USD/Tonne in Jun 2017. Australia BHP: Average Realized Price: Coal: Metallurgical Coal data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by BHP Billiton Group. The data is categorized under World Trend Plus’s Top Company: Metal and Mining: Asia Excluding China – Table WB.AT003: BHP Billiton Group (BHP): Operational Data.

The Mexican coal market expanded remarkably to $1.4B in 2024, with an increase of 8.5% against the previous year. Over the period under review, consumption showed a noticeable reduction. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $2.1B in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2024, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Over the five years to 2025, coal and ore wholesalers in the United States have experienced considerable industry change, spurred by evolving demand patterns and shifting product priorities. As domestic demand for steaming coal continued its steady decline, wholesalers have capitalized on rising commodity prices, especially for minerals and other ores tied to domestic manufacturing and increased global trade. The post-pandemic period brought volatility, but also unique opportunities as supply chain disruptions and overseas energy needs pushed prices higher, offsetting shrinking sales to US utilities. In this environment, revenue is estimated to increase at a CAGR of 4.0% to $22.4 billion over the five years to 2025, including an increase of 6.0% in 2025 alone. Companies responded by diversifying their offerings, building new international relationships, and investing in logistics to better meet changing market needs. Profit has remained a key concern throughout this period, with margins repeatedly challenged by volatile commodity costs, shifting buyer relationships and ongoing competition from both domestic and global players. Soaring purchase costs following the pandemic, combined with pressure from customers to limit price increases, have limited wholesalers’ ability to consistently protect profitability. Increased buyer power and uncertain demand conditions have further squeezed margins. Despite these pressures, some businesses managed to shore up profit by embracing digital transformation, supply chain innovation and new risk management practices, placing themselves in a stronger position than slower-moving competitors. Looking forward to the next five years, coal and ore wholesalers are expected to navigate a much more moderate growth environment as the US energy mix continues to evolve. The ongoing retreat of coal from domestic power generation will prompt companies to focus on growth in industrial minerals and ores, particularly as manufacturing investment returns to US soil. Export markets and global buyer relationships will remain central to offset falling domestic demand, particularly for coal. Businesses will need to double down on logistics modernization, digital technology and compliance expertise to remain relevant and competitive. Overall, revenue is forecast to increase at a CAGR of 0.5% to $22.9 billion over the next five years, signaling slower growth and the need for further adaptation beyond the industry’s traditional coal-centric focus.

Snapshot img

The Coal Market is poised to grow by USD 66.3 billion during 2022-2026, accelerating at a CAGR of 2% during the forecast period

Technavio market report provides a holistic analysis, market size and forecast, trends, growth drivers, challenges, and vendor analysis covering around 15 vendors. Furthermore, this report extensively covers the market segmentation by type and geography (APAC, Europe, North America, and ROW). The market report also offers information on several market vendors, including Anglo American Plc, Arch Coal Inc., BHP, China Coal Energy Co. Ltd., China Shenhua Energy Co. Ltd., Coal India Ltd., Glencore Plc, JSC Siberian Coal Energy Co., NLC India Ltd., and Vale SA. among others.

What will the Coal Market Size be During the Forecast Period?

Downthe load Report Sample to Unlock the Coal Market Size for the Forecast Period and Other Important Statistics

Parent Market Analysis

Our Technavio Research categorizes the report belonging to Coal & Consumable Fuels Industry for the market. Technavio is based on four simple principles: easy-to-access reports, robust industry coverage, a focus on new and emerging technologies, and competitive pricing. We believe in helping companies and executives become better equipped to make faster, sounder, and more effective decisions.

Coal Market: Key Drivers, Trends, and Challenges

Technavio Research categorizes the global Coal Market as belonging to the Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels Industry. Our research analysts have studied the historical data and deduced the key market drivers and the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the industry. The holistic analysis of the drivers will help in deducing end goals and refining marketing strategies to gain a competitive edge.

Our research report has extensively covered external factors influencing the parent market growth potential in the coming years, which will determine the levels of growth of the forecast year.

The market is extremely competitive with all sizes of businesses, including large, medium, and small-sized companies vying to monopolize the market. The tremendous development in various fields such as product innovations and new product launches by manufacturers operating in the market will drive the growth further.

Who are the Major Coal Market Vendors?

The vendor analysis is designed to help clients improve their market position, and in line with this, this report provides a detailed analysis of several leading market vendors such as

Anglo American Plc
Arch Coal Inc.
BHP, China Coal Energy Co. Ltd.
China Shenhua Energy Co. Ltd.
Coal India Ltd.
Glencore Plc
JSC Siberian Coal Energy Co.
NLC India Ltd.
Vale SA.

Coal Market Value Chain Analysis

In this report, we provide extensive information on the value chain analysis for the market. Our data covers all key stages of a market flow and provides a complete understanding of all aspects of the market logistics value chain. This includes an end-to-end understanding of the value chain is essential in profit margin optimization and evaluation of business strategies.

Which are the Key Regions for Coal Market?

82% of the market’s growth will originate from APAC during the forecast period.

What are the Revenue-generating Type Segments in the Coal Market?

To gain further insights on the market contribution of various segments Request a PDF Sample

The market share growth by the bituminous and sub-bituminous segment will be significant during the forecast period.

The report provides a near-term to long-term perspective on the trends and forecasts horizon for the market. It offers an overview of the key market drivers and restraints, enabling precise identification of key opportunities in each region over the coming years.

    Coal Market Scope




    Report Coverage


    Details




    Page number


    120




    Base year


    2019




    Forecast period


    2020-2024




    Growth momentum & CAGR


    Accelerate at a CAGR of 2%




    Market growth 2020-2024


    USD 66.3 billion




    Market structure


    Fragmented




    YoY growth (%)


    1.74




    Regional analysis


    APAC, Europe, North America, and ROW




    Performing market contribution


    APAC at 82%




    Key consumer countries


    Blank




    Competitive landscape


    Leading companies, Competitive Strategies, Consumer engagement scope




    Key companies profiled


    Anglo American Plc, Arch Coal Inc., BHP, China Coal Energy Co. Ltd., China Shenhua Energy Co. Ltd., Coal India Ltd., Glencore Plc, JSC Siberian Coal Energy Co., NLC India Ltd., and Vale SA.




    Market dynamics


    Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow

World coal usage/consumption for 2015 was 39.15%, a 1.32% decline from 2014.

• World coal usage/consumption for 2014 was 40.47%, a 0.56% decline from 2013.
• World coal usage/consumption for 2013 was 41.02%, a 0.77% increase from 2012.
• World coal usage/consumption for 2012 was 40.25%, a 0.72% decline from 2011.

Sources of electricity refer to the inputs used to generate electricity. Coal refers to all coal and brown coal, both primary (including hard coal and lignite-brown coal) and derived fuels (including patent fuel, coke oven coke, gas coke, coke oven gas, and blast furnace gas). Peat is also included in this category.

Snapshot img { margin: 10px !important; } Below are some of the key findings from the coal-fired power generation market analysis report

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Global coal-fired power generation market overview

The availability of coal at low prices is one of the key factors expected to drive the coal-fired power generation market in the upcoming years. Coal is one of the most economical raw material for generating electricity in both advanced and emerging economies. For instance, 30% of the electricity production in the US was carried out using coal during 2017. Similarly, the new pricing policy from Coal India introduced in January 2018 aims at selling coal depending on the total energy content within each consignment. As a result, lowering prices of coal are likely to boost the coal-fired power generation market.

Furthermore, the development of clean coal technologies will gain traction in the market owing to the growing environmental concerns among consumers. Several innovative approaches including integrated gasification of fuel cells, direct coal fuel cells and supercritical carbon dioxide are being explored to reduce the environmental impact. These technologies will help to reduce carbon emissions and fuel costs. This fact encourages the coal-fired power generation plants to increase their focus on adopting clean coal technologies. Consequently, the availability of coal at low prices coupled with the development of clean coal technologies will drive the market to grow at a CAGR of over 1% during the forecast period.

Top coal-fired power generation companies covered in this market research report

The coal-fired power generation market is moderately fragmented with companies focusing on clean coal technologies. By providing a complete analysis of the market’s competitive landscape and with information on the products offered by the companies, this coal-fired power generation industry analysis report will allow the clients to assess the market potential and design innovative strategies for strengthening their position in the market.

The report offers a complete analysis of several vendors including:

China Huadian
CHINA SHENHUA
NTPC
Southern Company
Uniper

Coal-fired power generation market segmentation based on geographic regions

APAC
EMEA
Americas

APAC will account for the largest share of coal-fired power generation market during the forecast period because of the significant use of coal for power generation and the development of new, efficient coal-fired power plants.

Coal-fired power generation market segmentation based on technology

Subcritical
CHP
Supercritical
Ultra-supercritical

The subcritical segment will account for the highest growth in the global coal-fired power generation market during the forecast period. This report provides an accurate prediction of the contribution of all the segments to the growth of the coal-fired power generation market size.

Key highlights of the global coal-fired power generation market for the forecast years 2019-2023:

CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2019-2023
Detailed information on factors that will accelerate the growth of the coal-fired power generation market during the next five years
Precise estimation of the global coal-fired power generation market size and its contribution to the parent market
Accurate predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior
The growth of the coal-fired power generation industry across the Americas, APAC and EMEA
A thorough analysis of the market’s competitive landscape and detailed information on several vendors
Comprehensive details on factors that will challenge the growth of coal-fired power generation companies

We can help! Our analysts can customize this market research report to meet your requirements. Get in touch

This statistic depicts the average monthly prices for Australian coal from January 2014 through January 2025. In January 2025, the average monthly price for Australian coal stood at ***** nominal U.S. dollars per metric ton.

The global coal-fired heating furnace market, valued at $15,760 million in 2025, is projected to experience a moderate growth trajectory with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3% from 2025 to 2033. This relatively low CAGR reflects the increasing pressure to transition away from fossil fuel-based heating solutions due to environmental concerns and stricter emission regulations globally. While the market continues to serve a significant demand, particularly in regions with established coal infrastructure and colder climates, the growth is tempered by the rise of cleaner alternatives like heat pumps, biomass boilers, and improved insulation technologies. The market segmentation reveals a significant reliance on conventional coal-fired furnaces, suggesting a considerable opportunity for intelligent, more efficient models which offer better control and reduced emissions. The strong presence of established players like Vaillant, Riello, and Immergas signifies a competitive landscape characterized by both established brands and regional manufacturers. Growth drivers for the market include ongoing construction in residential and commercial sectors, especially in developing economies with existing coal resources. However, restraining factors include government policies promoting renewable energy sources, rising coal prices, and increasing awareness of the environmental impact of coal combustion. The geographical distribution of the market shows a varied landscape. While North America and Europe may exhibit slower growth due to existing regulations and renewable energy adoption, regions in Asia Pacific, particularly China and India, might show slightly higher growth, driven by industrial expansion and existing coal infrastructure. However, even in these regions, the long-term outlook will be affected by the growing pressure to reduce carbon emissions. The application segments—family, school, and others—indicate that residential and institutional sectors are significant consumers. The "Others" segment requires further investigation to identify specific applications such as industrial settings, which may have different growth drivers and regulatory landscapes. The intelligent coal-fired furnace segment holds potential for future growth by offering improved efficiency and potentially better emissions control, but its penetration will depend heavily on cost factors and government incentives.

Australia BHP: Average Realized Price: Coal: Thermal Coal data was reported at 86.940 USD/Tonne in Jun 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 87.490 USD/Tonne for Dec 2017. Australia BHP: Average Realized Price: Coal: Thermal Coal data is updated semiannually, averaging 74.000 USD/Tonne from Jun 2013 (Median) to Jun 2018, with 11 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 87.490 USD/Tonne in Dec 2017 and a record low of 48.000 USD/Tonne in Jun 2016. Australia BHP: Average Realized Price: Coal: Thermal Coal data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by BHP Billiton Group. The data is categorized under World Trend Plus’s Top Company: Metal and Mining: Asia Excluding China – Table WB.AT003: BHP Billiton Group (BHP): Operational Data.

China's residential sector has experienced rapid electrification and gasification. Among rural households, however, coal still accounts for a large share of energy use, especially in the north. Use of coal for cooking and heating brings large health and pollution risks. From a theoretical viewpoint, economic tools such as taxes and subsidies have the potential to play a crucial role in addressing this issue. In this paper, a provincial-level dataset is used to estimate the price and income elasticities of aggregate coal demand by rural households. We find that coal is a non-Giffen inferior good for the rural household sector. This means that future income growth may help to induce switching from coal. Demand is becoming more price elastic as rural incomes grow. We also find that rural residential coal demand is more price- and income-responsive in the south than the north, perhaps because of fewer substitution options in the north. Our results provide benchmarks and parameters for policy simulation research. Provincial panel data for 1998–2012. Variables: Ln Coal consumption Ln Real coal price index Ln Real coal price level Ln GDP Secondary share of economy (%) State-owned share of total revenue from industrial enterprises (%) Five-year energy conservation assignments to industry (%) Post-2005 retired thermal power capacity (%) Ln Real gasoline price

The global coal sorting equipment market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing demand for efficient and environmentally friendly coal preparation methods. The market size in 2025 is estimated at $2.5 billion, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is fueled by several key factors, including stringent environmental regulations aimed at reducing coal waste and improving overall mining efficiency. The rising adoption of advanced sorting technologies, such as sensor-based systems and AI-powered solutions, is further propelling market expansion. The shift towards cleaner coal production, coupled with the ongoing modernization of coal mines, is significantly impacting market dynamics. Both aboveground and underground coal preparation applications are witnessing considerable growth, with aboveground installations dominating due to better accessibility and infrastructure. Segmentation by sorting type reveals a preference for dry sorting methods due to lower water consumption and operational cost advantages, although wet sorting still holds a significant share, particularly in applications requiring high levels of coal purification. Key players like Meiteng Technology, Taihe Intelligent Technology, Schenck Process Holding GmbH, STEINERT, Tron Technology, and Tomra Systems are actively contributing to innovation and technological advancements, driving competition and fostering market growth. The geographical distribution of the coal sorting equipment market reflects the global coal mining landscape. Regions with significant coal reserves and active mining operations, such as Asia-Pacific (particularly China and India), North America, and Europe, are leading the market. However, emerging economies in regions like South America and Africa are also witnessing increasing adoption of advanced coal sorting technologies, presenting lucrative opportunities for market expansion. While the increasing cost of raw materials and potential fluctuations in coal prices pose some challenges, the long-term growth trajectory remains positive, driven by the persistent demand for coal as a primary energy source, particularly in developing nations. Furthermore, ongoing research and development efforts focused on improving sorting efficiency and reducing environmental impact are expected to further enhance the market's growth potential over the forecast period.

Hard Coal Market Outlook

The global hard coal market size was valued at approximately $1.15 trillion in 2023 and is expected to reach around $1.45 trillion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.2%. The market is propelled by several growth factors, including the rising demand for energy, the integral role of hard coal in steel production, and its usage in various industrial applications.

One of the primary growth factors driving the hard coal market is the increasing global demand for energy. Despite the growing focus on renewable energy sources, coal remains a critical component of the global energy mix, particularly in developing countries where it is a major source of electricity. The ongoing industrialization in emerging economies has further heightened the demand for hard coal, as it is a reliable and cost-effective energy source. Additionally, the expansion of urban infrastructure in these regions necessitates a steady supply of energy, thereby bolstering the demand for hard coal.

Another significant growth factor is the essential role of hard coal in steel production. Steel manufacturing is heavily dependent on metallurgical coal, which is a type of hard coal. The construction, automotive, and machinery manufacturing sectors, which are pivotal to economic development, rely extensively on steel. As these sectors continue to expand, the demand for hard coal is expected to rise correspondingly. The resurgence in construction activities, particularly in developing nations, further amplifies this demand, contributing to the market's growth.

Moreover, hard coal is integral to various industrial applications, such as cement manufacturing and residential and commercial heating. In cement manufacturing, coal serves as a primary fuel for kiln operations, which are essential for producing clinker—the key ingredient in cement. The global construction boom, driven by urbanization and infrastructure projects, has significantly increased the demand for cement, thereby boosting the hard coal market. Additionally, hard coal is used for heating in residential and commercial settings, particularly in colder regions where it provides an economical and reliable heating solution.

From a regional perspective, Asia Pacific is expected to dominate the hard coal market due to its rapid industrialization and urbanization. Countries like China and India, which are major consumers of coal, drive the regional market's growth. In contrast, North America and Europe are seeing a more modest growth due to stringent environmental regulations and a shift towards cleaner energy sources. However, these regions still maintain a considerable demand for hard coal, particularly for industrial applications and energy production during peak demand periods.

Coal Trading plays a pivotal role in the hard coal market, facilitating the movement and distribution of coal across global markets. It involves the buying, selling, and exchange of coal between producers, traders, and end-users. The dynamics of coal trading are influenced by factors such as market demand, geopolitical considerations, and pricing fluctuations. As coal remains a critical energy source, particularly in developing regions, efficient trading mechanisms ensure a steady supply to meet the growing energy needs. Furthermore, coal trading enables producers to reach international markets, thereby expanding their customer base and optimizing their revenue streams. The integration of digital platforms in coal trading has enhanced transparency and efficiency, allowing for real-time tracking and better management of supply chains.

Type Analysis

The hard coal market is segmented by type into anthracite and bituminous coal, each serving distinct roles in various industrial and domestic applications. Anthracite, known for its high carbon content and energy density, is primarily used in residential heating and metallurgical processes. Its low sulfur and moisture content make it a cleaner-burning option compared to other forms of coal. Bituminous coal, on the other hand, is more abundant and versatile, finding applications in power generation, cement manufacturing, and as a raw material in steel production. The demand for bituminous coal is particularly strong in countries with high industrial activity and robust energy needs.

Anthracite coal's market dynamics are influenced by its scarcity and premium pricing. Its high energy output and low pollutant emiss