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.

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.

Graph and download economic data for Wholesale Price of Bituminous Coal, Mines for United States (M0490DUSM349NNBR) from May 1954 to Jun 1956 about coal, wholesale, mining, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

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.

On March 21, 2025, the U.S. Central Appalachian coal price stood at 78 U.S. dollars per short ton. Figures stayed below 80 U.S. dollars for most of 2024 and all of 2025, except for late June and late September 2024. Central Appalachian coal is produced in parts of Eastern Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, and Tennessee. In 2023, the annual Central Appalachian coal spot price stood at 73.59 U.S. dollars per metric ton.

Have timely access to reliable Coal price assessments in Poland:

• Coal (thermal), import spot price, cif, Poland

Each assessment includes Coal price history for the past 10 years, current prices, and short-term forecasts. Price assessments are updated on the 3rd business day of every month and are accessible via online charts, an Excel Add-In, and an API. Free previews for all assessments are available at Intratec website.

Coal price assessments for Poland and up to 32 other countries are part of Intratec Energy Price References. Subscribe and access now current prices of key energy commodities worldwide.

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 prices per ton in the United States can vary depending on factors such as the type of coal, region, market demand, transportation costs, and environmental regulations. This article provides an overview of the various factors that influence coal prices and explains why thermal coal prices can range from approximately $40 to $140 per ton.

Data on coal, coke, metallurgical coal, and steam coal imports price in $/short ton. Data organized by country and by terminal. Quarterly and annual data available. Users of the EIA API are required to obtain an API Key via this registration form: http://www.eia.gov/beta/api/register.cfm

Coal: Representative Price: Non-Coking: Grade: G3 data was reported at 5,997.000 INR/Ton in Jan 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 5,912.000 INR/Ton for Dec 2024. Coal: Representative Price: Non-Coking: Grade: G3 data is updated monthly, averaging 6,063.000 INR/Ton from Mar 2020 (Median) to Jan 2025, with 59 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 11,900.000 INR/Ton in Jun 2022 and a record low of 3,634.000 INR/Ton in Jun 2020. Coal: Representative Price: Non-Coking: Grade: G3 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Ministry of Coal. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Energy Sector – Table IN.RBT002: Coal: Representative Price.

Chinese coal prices have dropped to their lowest in over a year due to weak demand, despite government efforts to stimulate the economy.

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.

Have timely access to reliable Coal price assessments in United States:

• Coal, export spot price, fob, United States

Each assessment includes Coal price history for the past 10 years, current prices, and short-term forecasts. Price assessments are updated on the 3rd business day of every month and are accessible via online charts, an Excel Add-In, and an API. Free previews for all assessments are available at Intratec website.

Coal price assessments for United States and up to 32 other countries are part of Intratec Energy Price References. Subscribe and access now current prices of key energy commodities worldwide.

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.

Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Industry: Coal Mining: Bituminous Coal Underground Mining (Utility Sold) (PCU212112212112P) from Dec 2001 to Feb 2025 about coal, primary, mining, PPI, industry, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

Have timely access to reliable Coal price assessments in Sweden:

• Coal (thermal), import spot price, cif, Sweden

Each assessment includes Coal price history for the past 10 years, current prices, and short-term forecasts. Price assessments are updated on the 3rd business day of every month and are accessible via online charts, an Excel Add-In, and an API. Free previews for all assessments are available at Intratec website.

Coal price assessments for Sweden and up to 32 other countries are part of Intratec Energy Price References. Subscribe and access now current prices of key energy commodities worldwide.

Have timely access to reliable Coal price assessments in India:

• Coal (thermal), import spot price, cif, India

Each assessment includes Coal price history for the past 10 years, current prices, and short-term forecasts. Price assessments are updated on the 3rd business day of every month and are accessible via online charts, an Excel Add-In, and an API. Free previews for all assessments are available at Intratec website.

Coal price assessments for India and up to 32 other countries are part of Intratec Energy Price References. Subscribe and access now current prices of key energy commodities worldwide.

Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Industry: Coal Mining (PCU21212121) from Dec 1985 to Feb 2025 about coal, mining, PPI, industry, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

Coal: Representative Price: Non-Coking: Grade: G1 data was reported at 8,787.000 INR/Ton in Jan 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 8,802.000 INR/Ton for Dec 2024. Coal: Representative Price: Non-Coking: Grade: G1 data is updated monthly, averaging 8,787.000 INR/Ton from Mar 2020 (Median) to Jan 2025, with 59 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 18,518.000 INR/Ton in Jun 2022 and a record low of 5,904.000 INR/Ton in Jun 2020. Coal: Representative Price: Non-Coking: Grade: G1 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Ministry of Coal. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Energy Sector – Table IN.RBT002: Coal: Representative Price.