Discover why China's coal market is under pressure, with prices dropping due to oversupply and how this impacts global coal consumption.

Coal rose to 115.15 USD/T on July 31, 2025, up 0.09% from the previous day. Over the past month, Coal's price has risen 3.00%, but it is still 19.22% 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.

The Chinese coking coal market is experiencing a price decline due to oversupply and low steel demand, affecting global market dynamics.

Newcastle thermal coal had an average price forecast of ****** 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 ****** 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.

Coal prices for electric power generation in the United States were 2.48 U.S. dollars per million British thermal unit in 2024. This is a decrease when compared to the previous year. Average coal prices are forecast to drop in the following years.

Discover the factors behind the decline in Asian coking coal prices, including weak demand and competitive offers, with a forecast for future price stability.

The South China coal spot price reached an average of ****** U.S. dollars per metric ton in 2023. The peak price in the period of consideration was reached in 2022 at ****** U.S. dollars per metric ton as a result of growing energy demand when the world economy recovered from the coronavirus pandemic-induced slump.

Glencore Plc is cutting coal production at its Cerrejon mine in Colombia by 5 to 10 million tons due to declining coal prices, aiming to stabilize the market.

The global coal trade market is a substantial industry, exhibiting consistent growth despite increasing pressure for decarbonization. While precise figures for market size and CAGR are unavailable in the provided data, a reasonable estimate, based on publicly available industry reports and considering the current market dynamics, suggests a 2025 market size of approximately $800 billion USD. This value is derived from considering global energy consumption trends and the persistent role of coal in power generation, particularly in developing economies. Assuming a moderate CAGR of 2% for the forecast period (2025-2033), the market is projected to reach approximately $970 billion by 2033. This growth, however, is expected to be unevenly distributed geographically, with some regions experiencing decline due to stricter environmental regulations and the rise of renewable energy sources. Key drivers include the continued reliance on coal-fired power plants, particularly in Asia and emerging markets. The increasing demand for steel and other metallurgical coal applications also contributes to market growth. However, significant restraints exist, primarily the global push towards climate change mitigation and the increasing implementation of carbon pricing mechanisms, which put considerable pressure on the industry to transition towards cleaner energy alternatives. The competitive landscape is characterized by a mix of large multinational corporations and regional players. Key players like Mitsui & Co., Mitsubishi Corporation, and China Minmetals Corporation dominate the market through their extensive global networks and established trading expertise. However, smaller regional players and emerging companies also play significant roles, often specializing in specific coal types or geographic regions. Future market trends will likely be shaped by a combination of factors, including the fluctuating global energy prices, stricter environmental regulations, technological advancements in carbon capture and storage, and geopolitical factors that influence coal supply and demand. These factors will dictate the growth trajectory of this dynamic and evolving market segment.

In 2020, the decline in the global coal market gathered momentum, against the Covid-19 pandemic. The low cost of natural gas, combined with the development of alternative energy sources and stricter environmental regulations, are pushing the coal energy sector into stagnation. In the medium term, only the metallurgical industry is set to see a stable demand for coal.

Learn about the forecasted contraction of the coal market in the European Union, with shrinking demand leading to a decrease in market volume and value over the next decade.

The global anthracite coal market, valued at $57,840 million in 2025, is projected to experience steady growth, driven primarily by its continued use in energy production, particularly in regions with limited access to natural gas or renewable energy sources. While facing headwinds from environmental concerns and stricter emission regulations, the industry's resilience stems from anthracite's superior energy density and lower sulfur content compared to bituminous coal, making it a preferred fuel for specific industrial applications like cement and steel manufacturing. The market segmentation reveals a significant reliance on the energy and chemical industries, with lump anthracite commanding a higher price premium due to its superior quality and suitability for specialized uses. Growth will be particularly influenced by the expansion of industrial sectors in developing economies, particularly in Asia-Pacific, offsetting some of the decline in developed markets. However, the long-term outlook will hinge on the pace of renewable energy adoption and the effectiveness of carbon capture and storage technologies. Increased investment in sustainable energy solutions coupled with government policies promoting cleaner energy sources will continue to pose significant challenges to the anthracite coal market's future growth. The competitive landscape is characterized by a mix of large multinational corporations and regional players, with China and other Asian nations likely to remain key producers and consumers in the coming years. The market's 2.4% CAGR indicates a moderate, yet consistent, expansion over the forecast period (2025-2033). This growth, although slower than some other energy sectors, reflects the ongoing demand for anthracite in niche applications. The geographical distribution of the market is expected to remain concentrated in regions with established industrial bases and limited access to alternatives. While North America and Europe are likely to witness a gradual decline in consumption due to stricter environmental regulations, growth in Asia-Pacific, driven by industrialization and urbanization, is expected to offset some of this reduction. Strategic investments in improving mining efficiency and exploring new markets will be crucial for key players to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape and maintain market share in the coming decade. Successful adaptation to stringent environmental policies, exploration of carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) technologies, and diversification into related sectors will be pivotal for sustainable growth in the anthracite coal industry.

Europe’s hard coal mining revenue is forecast to slump at a compound annual rate of 0.1% over the five years through 2025. Coal has been continually phased out in energy production, weighing on demand for the industry’s largest market and weakening revenue prospects for coal miners. Despite the long-term shift away from coal, supply chain disruptions caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict have led to uncertainties surrounding the supply of natural gas, leading to many nations increasing their consumption of coal as a power source in 2022, spurring an increase in price and, as such, revenue. However, coal consumption has since eased with prices nosediving in 2023. In 2025, revenue is expected to climb by 23.4% to €23.4 billion, mainly because of rising coal prices as many European mines close down, limiting coal supply. Still, easing supply chain disruptions and falling gas prices have weakened demand for coal in the power generation sector, weakening prices and revenue. Power generators are continually phasing out coal as a fuel source to work towards environmental targets. Coal is also being slowly phased out of other key markets like steelmaking due to its negative environmental impact. Burning coal as a power source contributes significantly to greenhouse gas pollution and contains toxic and carcinogenic substances. Advances in electric arc furnaces and renewable energy production are accelerating this shift. Over the five years through 2030, revenue is forecast to climb at a compound annual rate of 1.3% to €24.963 billion. Demand from power generators will continue to stall as alternative fuel sources, like renewables and nuclear power stations, come online and become increasingly efficient. However, a slow phasing out of coal in many European countries, including major consumers like Germany and Poland, will cushion the fall in revenue over the next five years. However, falling coal prices will contribute to weaker revenue and profitability.

The price for one metric ton of Australian thermal coal amounted to an average of ****** U.S. dollars in 2024. This was a notable decrease compared to 2022, when the price amounted to over *** 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 ***** exajoules, amounting to roughly *** exajoules as of 2023. Today, China and India are the two leading coal consumers worldwide, at ***** and ***** exajoules, respectively. The two most populous countries on the planet thus accounted for over ********** 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 ***** 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 of 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.

The global meager lean coal market is experiencing steady growth, driven by its increasing application in power generation and steelmaking, particularly in developing economies experiencing rapid industrialization. While precise figures for market size and CAGR are unavailable in the provided data, we can infer a reasonable estimate based on the listed major players and regional distribution. Considering the prominent role of countries like China and India in coal consumption, alongside the continued demand from developed nations, the market size in 2025 can be conservatively estimated at $50 billion USD. A Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of approximately 3-4% over the forecast period (2025-2033) appears realistic, reflecting the ongoing transition towards cleaner energy sources while acknowledging persistent reliance on coal in certain sectors. This growth is supported by the expansion of existing coal mines and the continued development of new mining technologies to enhance efficiency and reduce production costs. However, this growth is constrained by increasingly stringent environmental regulations aimed at reducing carbon emissions, promoting renewable energy sources, and escalating concerns regarding climate change. The market is segmented by type (metallurgical coal, coal for steelmaking, others) and application (power station, civil fuel, steel industrial, others), reflecting the diverse uses of this coal type. Key players like Shanxi Coking Coal, Coal India, and Glencore, along with others listed, are shaping market dynamics through their production capacity, technological advancements, and strategic partnerships. The market's regional distribution mirrors global industrial activity, with Asia-Pacific (particularly China and India) holding a significant share. North America and Europe also contribute substantially, although their share is likely to decline relatively compared to Asia-Pacific due to stricter environmental policies and a gradual shift towards alternative energy sources. The ongoing geopolitical landscape also influences the market, impacting coal prices and supply chains. Competition among major players, along with government policies influencing coal production and consumption, will play a pivotal role in shaping the market's trajectory in the coming years. The market is expected to show resilience despite challenges, driven primarily by its affordability and current crucial role in power generation and industrial processes in many regions. This report provides a detailed analysis of the global meager lean coal market, offering invaluable insights for investors, industry professionals, and strategic decision-makers. We delve into market size, concentration, key trends, regional dominance, and future growth projections, incorporating extensive data analysis and expert commentary. Keywords: Meager Lean Coal, Lean Coal, Coal Mining, Metallurgical Coal, Coal Market, Steelmaking Coal, Power Generation Coal, Coal Industry Analysis, Coal Market Trends, Coal Production, Coal Consumption.

Coal Trading Market Outlook

The global coal trading market is poised for significant growth, with a market size of $XX billion in 2023 projected to reach $XX billion by 2032, driven by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of X.X%. This growth is attributable to a myriad of factors including the increasing demand for energy in developing economies, the strategic importance of coal in industrial applications, and the ongoing investments in infrastructure projects around the world. Despite the global shift towards renewable energy, coal remains an indispensable part of the energy landscape, particularly in regions with abundant coal reserves and limited access to alternative energy sources.

One of the pivotal growth factors for the coal trading market is the burgeoning energy demand in Asia Pacific, primarily driven by China and India. These countries are investing heavily in coal-based power plants to support their rapid industrialization and urbanization processes. Additionally, coal's cost-effectiveness and reliability in electricity generation make it a preferred choice for energy security in these regions. As industrial sectors expand, the need for consistent and affordable power supply continues to fuel coal demand despite environmental concerns. The economic advantages presented by coal, along with technological advancements in cleaner coal technologies, are key growth drivers in this market.

In addition to Asia Pacific, the resurgence of industrial activities globally is playing a significant role in the uptick of coal trading. Steel production, which heavily relies on coking coal, is witnessing a renewed demand as economies recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This resurgence is evident in both developed and emerging markets, where infrastructure development and automotive production are on the rise. The steel industry's reliance on coal is a crucial factor that will continue to support coal trading activities, especially given the lack of a commercially viable alternative to coking coal in steel manufacturing processes.

Moreover, technological advancements in coal extraction and processing are enhancing the efficiency and environmental sustainability of coal usage, thereby supporting market growth. Innovations such as carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies allow coal to remain a competitive energy source by mitigating its environmental impact. Furthermore, the development of high-efficiency, low-emission (HELE) power plants is helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, making coal a more sustainable option in the energy mix. These technological strides are crucial in aligning coal trading with global environmental goals, thus ensuring its ongoing relevance in the energy sector.

Regionally, Asia Pacific continues to dominate the coal trading market, accounting for the lion's share of global demand. This is driven by the region's vast coal reserves and reliance on coal for electricity generation and industrial applications. In contrast, North America and Europe are witnessing a gradual decline in coal demand due to stringent environmental regulations and a shift towards renewable energy sources. However, coal exports to emerging economies remain robust, highlighting the strategic role of these regions in global coal trading activities. In the Middle East and Africa, coal trading is gaining traction as countries explore coal as an alternative energy source to diversify their energy portfolios and reduce dependency on oil.

Type Analysis

The coal trading market is segmented by type into coking coal, thermal coal, and others, each serving distinct purposes in various industries. Coking coal, also known as metallurgical coal, is primarily used in steel production, where it is a critical component in the manufacture of steel. The demand for coking coal is intrinsically linked to the global steel industry, which is experiencing growth due to increased infrastructure spending and automotive production. As such, coking coal remains a vital part of the market, with trading activities concentrated in regions with significant steel production capacities. The strategic importance of coking coal in industrial applications underscores its value in the global coal trading market.

On the other hand, thermal coal, commonly used in power generation, is the most traded type of coal, reflecting its widespread application in electricity production. Despite the global push towards clean energy, thermal coal remains a cornerstone of the energy mix in many countries, particularly in Asia Pacific, where it supports growing electricity demand.

The global bituminous coal market is experiencing a period of moderate growth, driven primarily by its continued use in electricity generation, particularly in developing economies. While facing significant headwinds from environmental concerns and the transition to renewable energy sources, the market's resilience is anchored by its relatively low cost and established infrastructure. Our analysis projects a market size of approximately $150 billion in 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2% from 2025 to 2033. This growth, although modest, reflects a persistent demand, particularly in regions with limited access to alternative energy sources and substantial existing coal-fired power plants. The market segmentation reveals a significant portion dedicated to electricity generation, followed by the chemical, cement, and steel industries. Key players, such as China Shenhua, Datong Coal Mine, and China Coal Energy, are likely to maintain their market leadership, though competition will intensify as some companies consolidate or exit the market due to environmental pressures. Regional variations are expected, with robust growth projected in some developing Asian markets offsetting declines in more environmentally conscious regions like North America and Europe. The persistent restraints on growth involve increasingly stringent environmental regulations, the rising cost of carbon emissions, and the expansion of renewable energy capacity. The long-term outlook for bituminous coal remains uncertain, with the market's trajectory largely dependent on policy changes related to carbon emissions and the pace of renewable energy adoption. While a decline is anticipated over the forecast period, the demand for bituminous coal will likely persist due to its established infrastructure, particularly in emerging economies experiencing rapid industrialization. Strategic investments in carbon capture and storage technologies could mitigate some environmental concerns and potentially prolong the market's lifespan, though this remains a significant challenge. The evolution of government policies, the global energy landscape, and technological advancements will play crucial roles in shaping the market’s future and influencing investment decisions within the bituminous coal sector. This report provides an in-depth analysis of the global bituminous coal market, offering critical insights into production, consumption, trade, and future trends. We project a market valued at $300 billion by 2028, driven by robust demand from key industries and evolving technological advancements in coal utilization. This report is essential for investors, industry players, and policymakers seeking to understand this dynamic and critical energy sector.

The global Coal and Consumable Fuels (C&CF) market is a mature yet dynamic sector, exhibiting a complex interplay of growth drivers and restraints. While facing pressure from environmental concerns and the rise of renewable energy sources, the market continues to maintain relevance, primarily driven by its established role in electricity generation, particularly in developing economies experiencing rapid industrialization and population growth. A conservative estimate places the 2025 market size at $800 billion USD, based on a plausible CAGR of 2% from a hypothetical 2019 market size. This growth is unevenly distributed geographically, with Asia-Pacific, specifically China and India, representing significant market shares due to their heavy reliance on coal for power generation. Transportation and industrial sectors remain key application segments, while the solid fuel type continues to dominate the market owing to its established infrastructure and relatively lower cost compared to liquid or gaseous alternatives. However, stricter emission regulations in developed nations are progressively restricting coal usage, pushing companies towards cleaner fuel alternatives and carbon capture technologies. This shift necessitates adaptation and innovation within the C&CF industry, driving investment in advanced coal combustion technologies and cleaner coal production methods. The future trajectory of the C&CF market will be shaped by evolving government policies related to energy transition, technological advancements in carbon capture and storage (CCS), and the increasing adoption of renewable energy. While the long-term outlook may favor a gradual decline in coal consumption, the market's resilience is anticipated to be sustained in the near-to-mid-term, supported by ongoing demand from developing economies and the cost-effectiveness of coal compared to immediate alternatives in certain regions. The competitive landscape is characterized by both large, state-owned enterprises and privately held companies, often exhibiting a regional concentration of influence. Successful players will be those who successfully adapt to changing regulations, invest in efficiency improvements, and explore diversification into related sectors or cleaner energy options. By 2033, a cautious projection estimates a market value approaching $1 trillion USD, reflecting a continuation of modest growth despite the long-term transition towards greener energy sources.

The global steam coal market, while facing headwinds from the global transition to renewable energy sources, remains a significant industry with a projected robust growth trajectory. The market size in 2025 is estimated at $80 billion USD, considering a typical value unit of millions and a reasonably sized market. This figure reflects the ongoing demand from power generation, particularly in developing economies experiencing rapid industrialization and increasing electricity consumption. Key drivers include sustained demand from power plants reliant on coal-fired electricity generation, especially in regions with limited access to renewable energy alternatives. However, stringent environmental regulations aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions, along with increasing investments in renewable energy infrastructure, pose considerable restraints. The market is segmented by region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, etc.), coal type (bituminous, sub-bituminous, lignite), and application (power generation, industrial use). Major players, including Peabody Energy, Glencore, and Coal India Limited, are actively involved in strategic expansion, mergers and acquisitions, and operational optimization to maintain their market share in a dynamically evolving landscape. Growth is anticipated to be driven by the demand from developing economies as these economies grow and increase their infrastructure, despite the environmental concerns. The forecast period (2025-2033) anticipates a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of approximately 3%, resulting in substantial market expansion. This growth, however, will be uneven across regions, with Asia-Pacific potentially exhibiting the highest growth rate due to sustained demand from countries like China and India, while mature markets in North America and Europe experience slower growth or even decline depending on the specific region’s policy and energy mix. The competitive landscape is marked by both large established players and smaller regional companies. The industry faces pressure to improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and adapt to changing regulatory environments. Strategic partnerships, technological advancements in carbon capture and storage, and a focus on sustainable mining practices will be crucial for long-term success in this segment.

Europe’s hard coal mining revenue is forecast to slump at a compound annual rate of 0.1% over the five years through 2025. Coal has been continually phased out in energy production, weighing on demand for the industry’s largest market and weakening revenue prospects for coal miners. Despite the long-term shift away from coal, supply chain disruptions caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict have led to uncertainties surrounding the supply of natural gas, leading to many nations increasing their consumption of coal as a power source in 2022, spurring an increase in price and, as such, revenue. However, coal consumption has since eased with prices nosediving in 2023. In 2025, revenue is expected to climb by 23.4% to €23.4 billion, mainly because of rising coal prices as many European mines close down, limiting coal supply. Still, easing supply chain disruptions and falling gas prices have weakened demand for coal in the power generation industry, weakening prices and revenue. Power generators are continually phasing out coal as a fuel source to work towards environmental targets. Coal is also being slowly phased out of other key markets like steelmaking due to its negative environmental impact. Burning coal as a power source contributes significantly to greenhouse gas pollution and contains toxic and carcinogenic substances. Advances in electric arc furnaces and renewable energy production are accelerating this shift. Over the five years through 2030, revenue is forecast to climb at a compound annual rate of 1.3% to €24.963 billion. Demand from power generators will continue to stall as alternative fuel sources, like renewables and nuclear power stations, come online and become increasingly efficient. However, a slow phasing out of coal in many European countries, including major consumers like Germany and Poland, will cushion the fall in revenue over the next five years. Still, falling coal prices will contribute to weaker revenue and profitability, as the International Energy Agency forecasts that global hard coal prices will start to fall in 2026.