Coal fell to 108.35 USD/T on December 1, 2025, down 1.86% from the previous day. Over the past month, Coal's price has fallen 1.14%, and is down 20.33% compared to the same time last year, 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 December of 2025.

Explore the latest dynamics of coking coal prices influenced by supply chain challenges, strong demand recovery, and environmental policies. Understand the impact on global markets, from operational disruptions in coal-producing countries to increased steel production in China and India. Stay informed on future price trends amid evolving geopolitical and market conditions.

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.

The global coal price index reached 145.08 index points in September 2025. This was a decrease compared to the previous month, while the overall fuel energy price index decreased. 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 curtail 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, China, and India are among the leading coal importers, as these countries rely heavily on coal for electricity and heat generation.

Monthly and long-term thermal coal price data (US$/mt): historical series and analyst forecasts curated by FocusEconomics.

In August 2022, the coal price per ton stood at $213.6 (FOB, US), dropping by -14.1% against the previous month.

Analysis of the US coal market from 2024-2035, forecasting a slight volume CAGR of +0.9% to 538M tons and a value CAGR of +2.3% to $73.3B, driven by rising demand despite recent declines in consumption and production.

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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 footprint re

China Settlement Price: ZCE: Thermal Coal: 1st Month data was reported at 801.400 RMB/Ton in 13 May 2025. This stayed constant from the previous number of 801.400 RMB/Ton for 12 May 2025. China Settlement Price: ZCE: Thermal Coal: 1st Month data is updated daily, averaging 619.800 RMB/Ton from Sep 2013 (Median) to 13 May 2025, with 2824 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2,301.600 RMB/Ton in 19 Oct 2021 and a record low of 303.200 RMB/Ton in 07 Jan 2016. China Settlement Price: ZCE: Thermal Coal: 1st 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.

Coking Coal rose to 201.25 USD/T on November 10, 2025, up 0.12% from the previous day. Over the past month, Coking Coal's price has risen 3.60%, but it is still 4.39% lower than a year ago, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. This dataset includes a chart with historical data for Coking Coal.

The size of the China Coal Market was valued at USD 94.65 Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 106.14 Million by 2032, with an expected CAGR of 1.65% during the forecast period. Recent developments include: November 2022: The government of China extended long-term thermal coal supply contracts to all coal mines for 2023 and pushed power utilities to source more of their needs through such contracts to secure market supply and stabilize prices. The long-term contract will include all coal mining companies and coal-fired electricity and heating plants., February 2022: The eastern Chinese coastal province of Zhejiang approved the construction of a USD 840 million coal-fired power station. According to the Zhejiang Energy Group, the Phase 2 Project of the Liuheng Power Plant will help balance the province's energy supply and demand.. Key drivers for this market are: Increasing Electricity Demand, Rising Investments in the Coal Industry. Potential restraints include: Increasing Installation of Renewable Energy Sources. Notable trends are: The Power Generation Segment Expected to Dominate the Market.

Newcastle thermal coal is forecast to have an average price of *** nominal U.S. dollars per metric ton for 2025. By the end of 2029, the Newcastle thermal coal price is expected to amount to ****** 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.

China Coal stock price, live market quote, shares value, historical data, intraday chart, earnings per share and news.

Learn about the expected rise in coal consumption in the European Union over the next decade, driven by increasing demand. Market volume is projected to reach 479M tons by 2035, with a value of $74.1B.

Monthly and long-term coking coal price data (US$/mt): historical series and analyst forecasts curated by FocusEconomics.

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.

The market is segmented by Application (Metallurgy, Power generation, and Others)

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.

Learn about the expected increase in coal consumption worldwide over the next decade and the projected market volume and value by 2035.

Discover the latest trends in the $8.45B coal trading market. This in-depth analysis reveals a CAGR of 1.9%, exploring key drivers, restraints, regional breakdowns, and top companies like Coal India and Glencore. Learn about the impact of environmental regulations and the future outlook for coal in the global energy transition.