Coal fell to 114.90 USD/T on August 1, 2025, down 0.22% from the previous day. Over the past month, Coal's price has risen 2.77%, but it is still 19.40% 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 August of 2025.

This graph displays the total coal demand in China in 2017 and a forecast for 2020, 2035 and 2050. In 2050, the total coal demand of China was forecasted to amount to approximately 88 Mtce.

In 2024, coal consumption in the United States reached 411.4 million short tons, a decrease when compared to the previous year. The U.S. has been steadily reducing its reliance on coal for electricity generation, with natural gas having surpassed coal as the largest source for power production in the country.

In 2024, coal consumption worldwide came to around *******exajoules, up from ****** exajoules in the previous year. 2024 was also the year with the highest figure. During the period in consideration, consumption of coal across the globe increased by some ***exajoules.

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Metallurgical Coal Market Size 2025-2029

The metallurgical coal market size is forecast to increase by USD 99.6 billion at a CAGR of 4.8% between 2024 and 2029.

The metallurgical coal market is propelled by rising global steel demand, particularly in Asia Pacific, where infrastructure projects and smart city initiatives drive significant consumption. Technological advancements, such as 3D mine visualizers and proximity detection systems, enhance mining efficiency, supporting market growth. In North America, steady demand stems from automotive and construction sectors, while Europe's market thrives due to steel production in countries like Germany and Russia. Sustainability trends push for high-quality coal to support efficient, eco-friendly steel production. However, the volatility in prices of metallurgical coal, influenced by supply and demand dynamics and geopolitical factors, poses a significant risk for market participants.

Companies seeking to capitalize on the opportunities presented by this market must adopt strategic sourcing and pricing strategies. Additionally, investments in technological advancements, such as automation and mechanization, can help improve operational efficiency and reduce costs. Overall, the market offers substantial growth potential for companies able to navigate the price volatility and adapt to evolving market conditions.

What will be the Size of the Metallurgical Coal Market during the forecast period?

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The market encompasses the production and trade of coal used primarily in steel manufacturing. This market exhibits dynamic behavior, influenced by various factors. High-sulphur utilization and medium-ash applications in iron ore smelting remain significant drivers, while price fluctuations in thermal coal markets can impact metallurgical coal demand. Environmental concerns, including air pollution and mining safety, necessitate continued innovation in mining industry practices and technologies. Mining resources and reserves, mining sustainability, and mining equipment automation are essential considerations for market participants. Steel industry outlook, infrastructure development, and sustainable infrastructure projects, such as bridge construction and commercial space development, shape demand for metallurgical coal.
Renewable energy alternatives and sustainable mining practices are gaining traction, potentially impacting the market's future direction. Mining project management, equipment maintenance, and mining investment are crucial elements in the metallurgical coal supply chain. Steel production technology advancements and iron ore smelting processes continue to evolve, influencing the market's size and direction. The transportation and logistics sector plays a vital role in delivering coal to consumers, ensuring efficient and cost-effective solutions. Mining industry outlook remains positive, driven by the ongoing demand for steel and infrastructure development.

How is this Metallurgical Coal Industry segmented?

The metallurgical coal industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Application

  Steel making
  Non-steel making


Type

  Hard coking coals
  Semi-soft coking coals
  Pulverized coal injection
  Medium Coking Coal


End-User

  Iron and Steel Industry
  Chemical and Pharmaceutical
  Foundry Industry
  Non-Steel Production
  Power Industry


Geography

  APAC

    China
    India


  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Russia
    UK


  Middle East and Africa

    UAE


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World

By Application Insights

The steel making segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

Metallurgical coal plays a crucial role in steel manufacturing as it is the primary input for coke production in the blast furnace process and the electric arc furnace (EAF) route. Steel production, a key indicator of economic development, saw a 3.3% increase in global crude steel output to 145.5 million tons (Mt) in November 2023, according to the World Steel Association. Concurrently, the global apparent steel use per capita surpassed 200 kilograms, marking an over 10% rise. Both steel manufacturing processes, BF-BOF and EAF, necessitate metallurgical coal. While the former requires substantial volumes, the latter demands lower quantities.

The steel industry's growth is driven by infrastructure development, urbanization, and the increasing demand for construction, high-grade steel for various industries, and premium hard coking coal for medical applications. The market dynamics are influenced by factors such as coal quality standards, sustainable mining practices, carbon footprin

Key information about Indonesia Coal Consumption

• Indonesia Coal Consumption was reported at 61.558 TOE mn in Dec 2018
• This records an increase from the previous number of 57.176 TOE mn for Dec 2017
• Indonesia Coal Consumption data is updated yearly, averaging 3.891 TOE mn from Dec 1965 to Dec 2018, with 54 observations
• The data reached an all-time high of 61.558 TOE mn in 2018 and a record low of 0.067 TOE mn in 1973
• Indonesia Coal Consumption data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by BP PLC
• The data is categorized under World Trend Plus’s Association: Metal and Mining Sector – Table WB.BP.CONS: Coal Consumption (Discontinued)

Coal consumption within the electric power sector in the United States fell to 373.8 million short tons in 2024. In the past decade, there has been a marked decline in the use of coal for electricity generation. Coal consumption peaked between 2005 and 2008, when over one billion short tons were used every year. However, with the promotion of natural gas as a bridge-fuel toward a greener power sector, coal as the dirtiest of fossil fuels has fallen out of favor and natural gas has succeeded coal in becoming the main fuel type used for electricity generation in the U.S. Coal use by sector Coal is used primarily by the power sector. An Edison plant built for New York City in 1882 was the first coal-fired electricity plant in the U.S. By the 1950s, coal was considered the leading source of fuel for electricity generation. Declines in coal usage occurred around 2007, amidst the increased availability of renewables and natural gas. Apart from the use of thermal coal for power production, coking coal is an important raw material used for steelmaking, and the industrial sector still consumes around one quadrillion British thermal unit every year. Coal power use around the world The U.S.is the third largest consumer of coal in the world, following China and India. China’s consumption exceeds the total of many other countries combined, reaching 91.94 exajoules to U.S.' 8.2 exajoules. Fossil fuels are still a primary source of fuel around the world. U.S. fossil fuel consumption reached some 77.18 quadrillion British thermal units in 2023.

1. Data content: Presenting the statistical table of coal supply and demand data in our country for the current month.2. Collection purpose: As the basis for the planning and management of coal-related policies in our country.3. Collection method: Calculated from the aggregation of import and consumption data from the coal usage end.

The North America Metallurgical Coal Market was valued at USD 23.72 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 27.27 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 2.35% during the forecast period.

In 2023, China's coal consumption amounted to some 91.94 exajoules, up from 87.54 exajoules in the previous year. Between 1998 and 2023, figures increased by more than 60 exajoules. As of 2022, China was by far the world's largest coal consumer, with nearly 55 percent of the total consumption. Built on coal, running on coal Chinese economic development was fueled by coal, and today it remains the keystone of the country’s energy mix. Although it has the second-largest coal reserves in the world, China is not rich in any other energy resources. Coal was the go-to fuel for a country with a large population, harsh climates, and an economy that underwent rapid industrialization. Although the country has diversified its power sector, coal still accounts for the largest share of energy production, and more coal power plants are being built. The wind of change Despite being one of the biggest emitters of greenhouse gas emissions, China is also a global leader in renewable energy. Not only were Chinese firms at the forefront of manufacturing capacity and innovation, but the country also heavily invested in the domestic clean energy infrastructure grid. As a result, the PRC was the largest consumer of wind energy and home to the largest solar photovoltaic capacity worldwide. According to the China Electricity Council, the newly installed wind and solar power capacity in 2024 would surpass the newly installed coal power capacity.

Explore the dynamics of the coking coal market, examining price charts for insights into steel production, economic cycles, and geopolitical impacts, along with factors like global demand, supply fluctuations, and seasonal trends.

Japan coal market size reached 645.5 Thousand Tons in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach 879.8 Thousand Tons by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 3.2% during 2025-2033. The market is primarily driven by the growing population, urbanization, the significant increase in energy demand, and technological advancements in clean coal technologies for reducing emissions while improving the energy efficiency of coal-fired plants in Japan.

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the country and regional levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on end user.

Global Bio-Coal Market was valued at USD 140.08 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to project robust growth in the forecast period with a CAGR of 5.19% through 2029.

Coal Information provides a comprehensive review of historical and current market trends in the world coal sector, including provisional data. It provides a review of the world coal market, alongside a statistical overview of developments, which covers world coal production and coal reserves, coal demand by type, coal trade and coal prices. A detailed and comprehensive statistical picture of historical and current coal developments in the OECD member countries, by region and individually is presented in tables and charts. Complete coal balances and coal trade data for selected years are presented on a selection of major non-OECD coal-producing and -consuming countries, with summary statistics on coal supply and end-use statistics for about additional countries and regions worldwide.

Explore the volatility of metallurgical coal prices, crucial for the global steel industry, influenced by demand shifts, supply dynamics, geopolitical tensions, and economic factors. Understand how historical trends and future forecasts impact market strategies.

Explore the dynamic and volatile hard coking coal price trends influenced by global demand, supply chain disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and the shift towards sustainable energy. Understand the impact of these factors on steel production costs and market strategies.

The global Clean Coal Technology Market size is estimated to be worth USD 4,224.3 million in 2025 and is anticipated to reach a value of USD 6,313.4 million by 2035. Demand for clean coal technology is projected to rise at a CAGR of 4.1% over the forecast period between 2025 and 2035.

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