Coal decreased 28.50 USD/MT or 22.75% since the beginning of 2025, 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 March of 2025.

The global coal price index reached 154 index points in February 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.

Learn about the various factors that influence coal prices in the international market, including global economic conditions, geopolitical events, environmental regulations, technological advancements, and the availability of alternative energy sources.

The global coal price index amounted to 227.81 index points in 2023. This was more than double the price recorded a year prior, and the peak in the period in consideration. Increased power consumption led to a rise in natural gas and coal demand that brought about an energy supply shortage in the latter half of 2021.

It is forecast that the average price for hard coking coal in 2026 will be 21.80 nominal U.S. dollars per metric ton. Meanwhile, the average price for semi-soft coking coal is forecast to be 138.20 nominal U.S. dollars per metric ton that year.

Learn about the factors that influence international coal prices per ton and the fluctuations it has experienced in recent years. Explore the impact of geopolitical tensions, environmental regulations, and technological advancements on coal prices, as well as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Discover the uncertain future of coal prices amidst the transition to cleaner energy sources and government policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions.

The price for one metric ton of Australian thermal coal amounted to an average of 136.10 U.S. dollars in 2024. This was a notable decrease compared to 2022, when the price amounted to over 300 U.S. dollars. Thermal coal, also known as steam coal, is used to generate electricity and its properties include a high moisture and low energy content. It is differentiated from coking coal, or metallurgical coal, which is largely used for steel production. Thermal coal/steam coal prices tend to be lower than coking coal prices, as coking coal requires fewer impurities. Coal consumption: the leading consuming countries Between 2000 and 2023, global coal consumption increased by some 65.27 exajoules, amounting to roughly 164 exajoules as of 2023. Today, China and India are the two leading coal consumers worldwide, at 91.94 and 21.98 exajoules, respectively. The two most populous countries on the planet thus accounted for over two-thirds of total coal consumption in 2023. The U.S. is a leading coal consumer despite the declining U.S. coal mining industry The United States was ranked third among the leading coal consuming nations in 2023, however, it has decreased its coal consumption for electricity generation considerably since 2007. This is largely the result of electric utilities switching to cheaper means for energy production such as natural gas and renewables, as well as growing concerns over greenhouse gas emissions. The U.S. coal mining industry has also been on the decline in recent years.

As of August 2024, the Indonesian Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry has set the country's coal reference price (HBA) at 115.29 U.S. dollars per metric ton, showing a decrease of over 64 U.S. dollars from the same month in 2023. Indonesia is one of the largest producers and exporters of coal worldwide.

The Platts Market Data - Coal dataset provides access to the full breadth and depth of our coal market data, including benchmarks and contract price assessments.

Learn about the factors that determine international thermal coal prices, including supply and demand dynamics, global economic conditions, regional market trends, and geopolitical factors. Understand how these prices impact coal mining companies, power generation companies, and the cost of electricity for consumers.

One of the leading economic industries in Australia, coal mining has contributed significantly to the local economy. In 2024, the price of Australian coal was around 136 U.S. dollars per metric ton. Coal market The contribution of the coal mining industry to Australia’s economy was valued in the billions of Australian dollars. Coal consumption is much lower than production in Australia, so most of the mined coal is exported. In fact, Australia exports the most coal by value out of any other country, with major export partners including China and India. Australia’s reliance on its mining exports may lead to potential problems, particularly if long-term demand drops due to emerging alternative fuel sources, climate action, and increased competition from other coal producing countries. The effect on the tens of thousands of Australian workers in the mining industry may have already been felt, with lower employment numbers recorded recently. Environmental impact Of late, the fugitive emissions from coal mining have come under fire due to their contribution to environmental pollution. In Australia, emissions from underground coal mines were projected to total 19 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030. With a global focus on reducing air pollution and mitigating climate effects, the future of mining in Australia may not be as certain as it once was.

The U.S. Central Appalachian coal price is a key indicator for coal prices across the country. The region includes parts of Eastern Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, and Tennessee, which are some of the largest coal producing states in the country. At the end of 2023, the Central Appalachian coal spot price stood at 73.59 U.S. dollars per metric ton. This was less than half the average price in 2022. Coal commodity prices surged in 2022 as sanctions on Russian imports, production loss in Australia, and a temporary export ban in Indonesia put pressure on supply volumes. Other important global coal benchmarks include the Northwest Europe marker price, Australia's Newcastle, and China's Qinhuangdao price.

The international price of coking coal is influenced by global supply and demand factors, the steel industry, trade policies, and the quality and location of the coal. This article explores how these factors impact the price and why understanding them is important for stakeholders in the steel and coal industries.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Coking Coal market size is USD XX million in 2024 and will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.00%from 2024 to 2031.

North America held the major market of more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD XX million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.2% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe accounted for a share of over 30% of the global market size of USD XX million.
Asia Pacific held the market of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD XX million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.0% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America market of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD XX million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4% from 2024 to 2031.
Middle East and Africa held the major market ofaround 2% of the global revenue with a market size of USD XX million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7% from 2024 to 2031.
The Steel Production held the highest Coking Coal market revenue share in 2024.

Key Drivers of Coking Coal Market

Growing Demand from Steel Industry to Increase the Demand Globally

The steel industry is a major consumer of coking coal, using it as a primary raw material in the production of steel. As the global economy continues to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for steel is expected to rise, driven by infrastructure development, construction projects, and the automotive sector. This increasing demand for steel is expected to boost the demand for coking coal, as it is an essential component in the steelmaking process. Additionally, the shift towards electric arc furnaces (EAFs) in steel production, which also require coking coal, is expected to further drive the demand for coking coal in the coming years.

Growing Urbanization and Industrialization to Propel Market Growth

Rapid urbanization and industrialization in emerging economies such as China, India, and Brazil are driving the demand for steel and, consequently, coking coal. As these countries continue to invest in infrastructure development, the demand for steel for construction, transportation, and manufacturing purposes is expected to increase. This trend is particularly pronounced in the construction of skyscrapers, bridges, and other infrastructure projects that require large quantities of steel. The growing middle class in these countries is also driving demand for consumer goods, automobiles, and appliances, all of which require steel, thus boosting the demand for coking coal.

Restraint Factors of Coking Coal Market

Environmental Concerns and Regulations to Limit the Sales

One of the key restraints in the coking coal market is the increasing environmental concerns associated with coal mining and steel production. The mining and burning of coal releases greenhouse gases and other pollutants into the atmosphere, contributing to air and water pollution and climate change. In response to these concerns, governments around the world are implementing stricter environmental regulations and emissions standards, which could increase the cost of coal production and limit its use in steelmaking. Additionally, the growing awareness of environmental issues among consumers and investors has led to a shift towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, potentially reducing the demand for coking coal in the long run.

Impact of Covid-19 on the Coking Coal Market

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the coking coal market, leading to disruptions in production, supply chains, and demand. The lockdowns and restrictions imposed to curb the spread of the virus resulted in a slowdown of economic activity, leading to a decrease in demand for steel and, consequently, coking coal. Many steel mills around the world either shut down or operated at reduced capacity, leading to a decline in coking coal consumption.

However, despite these challenges, the coking coal market showed resilience, with prices remaining relatively stable due to the gradual recovery of the global economy and the resumption of steel production. Governments around the world implemented stimulus packages to support economic recovery, which boosted infrastructure projects and construction activities, leading to an increase in ...

In the third quarter of 2024 (Q3 2024), the Australian coking coal price was 211 U.S. dollars per metric ton, down from 243 U.S. dollars per metric ton in the previous quarter. Coking coal, also known as metallurgical coal, is a low-ash, low-sulfur, low-phosphorus coal that is used to produce coke, which is the main source of carbon used to make steel.

China Producer Price Index: Coal data was reported at 88.400 Prev Year=100 in 2024. This records an increase from the previous number of 84.300 Prev Year=100 for 2023. China Producer Price Index: Coal data is updated yearly, averaging 106.400 Prev Year=100 from Dec 1980 (Median) to 2024, with 45 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 145.900 Prev Year=100 in 2021 and a record low of 84.300 Prev Year=100 in 2023. China Producer Price Index: 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.

The international coal index is a benchmark price for coal traded in global markets. It serves as a reference point for coal prices, enabling buyers and sellers to negotiate contracts based on this index. The index tracks the price movements of different types and grades of coal across various global locations. Coal is a major source of energy and an important commodity for many countries. It is primarily used for electricity generation and industrial processes. The international coal index helps in establi

Learn about the dynamic nature of international coal prices and the factors influencing them. Stay updated with the current international coal prices, including the Newcastle Index, API2 Rotterdam Coal Futures, RB Index, and ARA Index. Understand how supply and demand, political developments, environmental regulations, currency exchange rates, and economic conditions impact coal prices. Find reputable sources for accurate and up-to-date information on live international coal prices.

Russia Average World Price: Coal data was reported at 105.500 USD/Ton in May 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 94.200 USD/Ton for Apr 2018. Russia Average World Price: Coal data is updated monthly, averaging 85.700 USD/Ton from Jan 2011 (Median) to May 2018, with 88 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 123.800 USD/Ton in Apr 2011 and a record low of 53.400 USD/Ton in Jan 2016. Russia Average World Price: Coal data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Federal State Statistics Service. The data is categorized under Russia Premium Database’s Prices – Table RU.PC002: Average World Prices, Crude Oil Export Price, Crude Oil Export Duty.

China Settlement Price: ZCE: Thermal Coal: 4th Month data was reported at 801.400 RMB/Ton in 26 Mar 2025. This stayed constant from the previous number of 801.400 RMB/Ton for 25 Mar 2025. China Settlement Price: ZCE: Thermal Coal: 4th Month data is updated daily, averaging 595.100 RMB/Ton from Sep 2013 (Median) to 26 Mar 2025, with 2794 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1,732.400 RMB/Ton in 19 Oct 2021 and a record low of 264.400 RMB/Ton in 30 Dec 2015. China Settlement Price: ZCE: Thermal Coal: 4th Month data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Financial Market – Table CN.ZB: Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange: Commodity Futures: Settlement Price: Daily.