The Report Covers the China Coal Market Outlook and is Segmented by Applications (power Generation (thermal Coal), Coking Feedstock (coking Coal), and Other Applications). The Report Offers the Market Size and Forecasts for Coal in Revenue (USD) for all the Above Segments.

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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 market is driven by the increasing demand for steel and the rise in several smart city projects, leading to an increase in consumption of coal. However, the market faces challenges such as volatility in metallurgical coal prices due to supply and demand imbalances. To mitigate this, coal blending and coal characterization through techniques like coal washing, coal property analysis using vitrinite reflectance and petrography, and coal reserve exploration are crucial.
Coal washing enhances coal quality by removing impurities, while coal characterization provides insights into coal's caking index, thermal maturity, and carbonization properties. Fossil carbon's role in the coal industry is significant as it is a critical feedstock in steel manufacturing and carbonization processes. The demand-supply gap in the market necessitates efficient coal production and utilization strategies.

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

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How is this market segmented and which is the largest segment?

The market 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


End-User

  Construction
  Transportation
  Health Care
  Agriculture
  Others


Geography

  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan


  North America

    Canada
    US


  Europe

    Germany
    UK
    France


  Middle East and Africa

    UAE


  South America

    Brazil

By Application Insights

The steel making segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Metallurgical coal plays a crucial role in the steel industry, serving as the primary feedstock for coke production in steelmaking processes. The BF-BOF (Basic Oxygen Furnace-Blast Furnace) and EAF (Electric Arc Furnace) routes are the two primary methods for producing steel. In the BF-BOF process, large quantities of metallurgical coal are required to produce carbon-rich coke, which is essential for reduction of iron ore and the production of pig iron. In contrast, the EAF process uses scrap metal and requires lower volumes of metallurgical coal for anaerobic heating. While both methods contribute to steel production, the BF-BOF process was the dominant method used in 2020.

Furthermore, the consumption of steel is often used as an economic development indicator, and this growth in steel production highlights the ongoing economic recovery. The various types of metallurgical coal, including anthracite, bituminous coal, sub-bituminous coal, and lignite, are utilized based on their carbon content and caking ability in the steelmaking process.

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The steel making segment was valued at USD 160.30 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

APAC is estimated to contribute 85% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional market trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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The market in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is projected to expand at a faster pace compared to other regions, driven by the significant demand from the steel industry. Factors such as industrialization and infrastructure growth in developing countries like China and India are fueling the demand for steel, which relies on metallurgical coal as a primary raw material for its production. With the rapid urbanization of cities in Asia, the need for steel is high for infrastructure development. Metallurgical coal, with its high carbon content, is essential for producing carbon-rich coke required for coking processes in steelmaking. In 2023, China, Australia, Indonesia, and India were the leading contributors to the growth of the market in APAC.

Furthermore, the demand for this coal type is particularly high in countries like China, which is the world's largest consumer and importer of metallurgical coal. The primary use of these in APAC is for electricity generation and household heating, as well as anaerobic heating and the production of pig iron from iron ore. The caking ability of metallurgical coal is crucial for its use in the steel industry, ensuring the successful production of high-quality iron and steel products.

Market Dynamics

Metallurgical coal, also known as coking coal, plays a vital role in the steelmak

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 ...

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 Report Covers Indian Coal Market Size & Share and It is Segmented by Application (Power Generation (Thermal Coal), Coking Feedstock (Coking Coal), and Other Applications). The Report Offers the Market Size and Forecasts in Terms of Volume for all the Above Segments.

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.

As per Cognitive Market Research's latest published report, The South African Coal market size will be $7,235.85 Million by 2029. The South Africa Coal Industry's Compound Annual Growth Rate will be 3.36% from 2023 to 2030. Factors Affecting the Coal Market

Growing usage of coal in electricity generation

Coal dominates South Africa's domestic energy resource base. South Africa is heavily reliant on coal-fired electricity. Although most African countries are coal-free, a survey finds that South Africa still relies significantly on the fossil fuel for electricity generation. Coal is the most frequently utilized primary fuel worldwide, accounting for around 36% of total fuel use in global power production. Coal provides around 77 percent of South Africa's basic energy needs.

According to the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy, South Africa's total domestic energy generating capacity is 58,095 megawatts (MW) from all sources. Coal is now South Africa's most important energy source, accounting for over 80% of these country's energy mix.

This is continued dramatically in the near the future due to the rising need for electricity across the region. The energy consumption of South Africa is raised by 1.3%/year between 2017 and 2019. To achieve this demand, there is need for coal for electricity generation.

According to the 2016 Electricity, Gas, and Water Supply Industry Report, this fossil fuel generated 85,7% of the country's electricity in 2016. Similarly, according to the Ember study, coal produced 84.4 percent of domestic electricity in 2021. As a result, South Africa's electricity-related emissions in 2021 can still surpass those of other African countries such as Egypt and Kenya.

As a result, many of the reserves can be mined at extremely low prices, and South Africa has created a substantial coal-mining sector. South Africa's coal baseload independent power producer procurement project aims to buy 2 500 megawatts of coal-fired power output by December 2021. It also intends to use funds from industrialized nations and financial organizations to construct transformers, distribution technologies, and substations.

Hence, growing usage of coal in electricity generation drives the growth of the South Africa coal market.

Restraint for South Africa Coal market

Difficulties associated with the coal mining.(Access Detailed Analysis in the Full Report Version)

Opportunity for South Africa Coal market

Technological advancement in coal mining.(Access Detailed Analysis in the Full Report Version)

Introduction of Coal

Coal is a sedimentary deposit that is mostly constituted of carbon and is easily combustible. Coal is black or brownish-black in colour and contains more than 50 percent carbonaceous material by weight and more than 70 percent by volume.

Coal is made up of delicate plant matter that goes through a number of transformations before becoming the recognizable black and gleaming material that is burnt as fuel. Over millions of years, coal goes through many degrees of carbonization and can be found in various stages of development in different places of the world.

Coal is a plentiful natural resource that can be used for electricity, as a chemical source for a variety of synthetic chemicals (such as colours, oils, waxes, medicines, and insecticides), and for the creation of coke for metallurgical operations. Coal is a primary source of energy for steam generation, which is used to generate electricity.

The report has segmented South Africa coal market into types such as Lignite (brown coal), SubBituminous, Anthracite, and Bituminous as well as application such as electricity, industrial, chemistry, families and individuals.

The South Africa is extensively relied on the coal production as it is major source for electricity generation. The region also engaged in the export activities that raises the demand for coal market in South Africa.

Newcastle thermal coal had an average price forecast of 130.80 nominal U.S. dollars per metric ton for 2024, as of June and July 2024. During the period in consideration, the forecast presents a trend of continuous decrease. By the end of 2028, Newcastle thermal coal price is expected to drop to 102.80 nominal U.S. dollars per metric ton. The Newcastle (NEWC) thermal price for coal is the benchmark for seaborne coal contracts within the Asia-Pacific region, which is home to the largest coal producing countries.

The Report covers Australian Coal Companies and the market is segmented by application (electricity, iron and steel, and other applications). The market size and forecasts are provided in revenue (USD) for all the above segments.

Asia Pacific Coal Market is segmented by End User (Power Station (Thermal Coal), Coking Feedstock (Coking Coal), and Others) and Geography (China, India, Indonesia, and Rest of Asia-Pacific).

In 2020, the worldwide thermal coal consumption volume was some 6.8 billion short tons. It is expected that thermal coal consumption volume will increase over the coming years. The estimated volume of thermal coal consumption for the year 2050 is around 8.06 billion short tons.

The report covers European Coal Companies and the market is segmented by type (anthracite, bituminous, sub-bituminous, and lignite), application (electricity, steel, cement, and others), and geography (Russia, Germany, Poland, and the Rest of Europe). The market size and forecasts are provided in terms of revenue (USD) for all the above segments.

The Metallurgical Coal Market is projected to grow at 4.0% CAGR, reaching $17.89 Billion by 2029. Where is the industry heading next? Get the sample report now!

Forecast: Coal Consumption in the US 2024 - 2028 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

Coal production forecast refers to the estimation or prediction of the future levels of coal production. Learn about the factors influencing coal production forecasts, the outlook for global coal production, and the impacts of the energy transition and COVID-19 pandemic on coal mining and production.

The coal market in Australia and Oceania rose remarkably to $24.1B in 2024, surging by 12% against the previous year. In general, consumption showed a buoyant expansion. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $28.8B. From 2023 to 2024, the growth of the market remained at a somewhat lower figure.

An estimated 832 billion kilowatt hour of electricity were generated from coal in the United States in 2022. The U.S. production of power from this fossil fuel is projected to decrease to some 243 billion kilowatt hour by 2050.

The article discusses the rising global demand for coal, projecting a continued increase in consumption over the next six years. Market performance is expected to accelerate, with a forecasted CAGR of +1.5% from 2024 to 2030, leading to a market volume of 9,721M tons by 2030. In terms of value, the market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of +4.3% during the same period, reaching $2,126.5B by the end of 2030.

Russia was projected to be the largest consumer of coal in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), with a forecast consumption of 246 million short tons of that fossil fuel in 2023. The lowest coal consumption volumes in the region were expected in Estonia, Latvia, and Albania.

Installed coal power generation capacity has increased worldwide, almost doubling between 2005 and 2022, when it amounted to roughly 2.27 terawatts. Figures are expected to remain relatively stable, and reach 2.28 terawatts by 2050.