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.

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.

View monthly updates and historical trends for Coal Price Index. Source: International Monetary Fund. Track economic data with YCharts analytics.

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

In Q3 2025, North America, the Coal Price Index rose by 3.593% quarter-over-quarter, supported by stronger power generation demand. Check detailed insights for Europe and APAC.

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.

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.

CIF Vizag Anthracite Coal (CC-90%): Oct '23 $174, Oct '24 $175 (+1%). Nov '23 $195, Nov '24 $165 (-15%). Dec '23 $187, Dec '24 $165 (-12%).

Graph and download economic data for Global price of Coal, Australia (PCOALAUUSDM) from Jan 1990 to Jun 2025 about coal, Australia, World, and price.

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

It is forecast that the average price for hard coking coal in 2029 will be ****** nominal U.S. dollars per metric ton. Meanwhile, the average price for semi-soft coking coal is forecast to be ****** nominal U.S. dollars per metric ton that year.

The global coal price index amounted to ***** index points in 2024. This was less than **** the price index recorded two years 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.

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 Indonesian coal market soared to $37.7B in 2024, growing by 40% against the previous year. Overall, consumption enjoyed a strong expansion. As a result, consumption reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

South African coal prices in , October, 2025 For that commodity indicator, we provide data from January 1984 to October 2025. The average value during that period was 61.18 USD per metric ton with a minimum of 21.25 USD per metric ton in August 2002 and a maximum of 302 USD per metric ton in April 2022. | TheGlobalEconomy.com

Australian coal prices in , October, 2025 For that commodity indicator, we provide data from January 1970 to October 2025. The average value during that period was 58.5 USD per metric ton with a minimum of 7.8 USD per metric ton in January 1970 and a maximum of 430.81 USD per metric ton in September 2022. | TheGlobalEconomy.com

The size of the India Coal Market was valued at USD XX Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD XXX Million by 2032, with an expected CAGR of 7.57% during the forecast period. Recent developments include: February 2023, the 2600 megawatt Singareni Thermal Power Plant (STPP) at Pegadapalli in Mancherial district is all set to become South India's first public sector coal-based power generating station and the country's first among State Public Sector Undertakings (PSU)., November 2022, Following the contract award for a 1,320 megawatt (MW) thermal power plant in Talcher, Odisha, NTPC Ltd concluded contracts for four additional coal-fired power projects over the next three years. These four projects will increase energy generation capacity by 4.8 gigatonnes (GW).. Key drivers for this market are: 4., Increasing Power Generation Capacity Plans and Increasing Electricity Demand4.; Rapidly Growing Industrial and Infrastructural Development Activities. Potential restraints include: 4., Coal Substituted with Clean Energy Sources. Notable trends are: Increasing Thermal Power Generation is Expected to Drive the Market.

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.

Trends of Coking Coal Market

Ongoing Demand from Steel Production in Light of Infrastructure Expansion: Coking coal is an essential component in blast furnace steel production, and its demand remains robust, especially in developing nations engaged in extensive infrastructure and industrial projects. Countries such as India, China, and those in Southeast Asia are propelling the demand for steel in construction, transportation, and urban development, which consequently drives consistent consumption of metallurgical (coking) coal. In spite of worldwide decarbonization initiatives, conventional steelmaking reliant on coking coal is anticipated to retain a significant share in the near to mid-term.

Growing Emphasis on Low-Emission Steelmaking Technologies: Environmental regulations and the imperative to lower carbon emissions are encouraging the steel sector to investigate low-emission alternatives, including...

At the end of fiscal year 2024, the Wholesale Price Index of coal across India was over 136. An overall increase in the price index of coal was seen over the years from financial year 2013 in the country.

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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