Coal rose to 112 USD/T on July 11, 2025, up 0.90% from the previous day. Over the past month, Coal's price has risen 7.07%, but it is still 16.32% 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 July of 2025.

The global coal price index reached 138.87 index points in May 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.

On June 13, 2025, the U.S. Central Appalachian coal price stood at 79 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.

Understand the factors affecting the current coal price in the international market, including supply and demand dynamics, government policies, and environmental regulations. Learn about the variations in price for thermal and metallurgical coal and the impact of regional dynamics and environmental policies on coal prices.

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

Australian coal prices in , June, 2025 For that commodity indicator, we provide data from January 1970 to June 2025. The average value during that period was 58.19 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

This statistic depicts the average monthly prices for Australian coal from January 2014 through January 2025. In January 2025, the average monthly price for Australian coal stood at ***** nominal U.S. dollars per metric ton.

It is forecast that the average price for hard coking coal in 2026 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.

South African coal prices in , June, 2025 For that commodity indicator, we provide data from January 1984 to June 2025. The average value during that period was 60.93 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

China Market Price: Power Coal: 5500-6000 Calorie: Price at Mines data was reported at 560.000 RMB/Ton in Feb 2019. This records a decrease from the previous number of 565.000 RMB/Ton for Jan 2019. China Market Price: Power Coal: 5500-6000 Calorie: Price at Mines data is updated monthly, averaging 493.000 RMB/Ton from Apr 2014 (Median) to Feb 2019, with 59 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 631.000 RMB/Ton in Dec 2018 and a record low of 322.000 RMB/Ton in Jan 2016. China Market Price: Power Coal: 5500-6000 Calorie: Price at Mines data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Price Monitoring Center, NDRC. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Price – Table CN.PA: Price Monitoring Center, NDRC: Market and Contract Price: Coal.

Get comprehensive insights into the Coal market, with a focused analysis of the Coal price trend across Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East Africa.

The price of coal per metric ton varies depending on several factors such as quality, region, market demand, and the specific type of coal. Here is an overview of coal prices per metric ton for different coal types: Anthracite Coal, Bituminous Coal, Sub-bituminous Coal, and Lignite Coal. It is important to note that these prices are approximate and can fluctuate based on various factors.

China Market Price: Coking Coal: 10th Grade: Price at Mines data was reported at 1,383.000 RMB/Ton in Feb 2019. This stayed constant from the previous number of 1,383.000 RMB/Ton for Jan 2019. China Market Price: Coking Coal: 10th Grade: Price at Mines data is updated monthly, averaging 870.000 RMB/Ton from Apr 2014 (Median) to Feb 2019, with 59 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1,383.000 RMB/Ton in Feb 2019 and a record low of 685.000 RMB/Ton in Dec 2018. China Market Price: Coking Coal: 10th Grade: Price at Mines data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Price Monitoring Center, NDRC. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Price – Table CN.PA: Price Monitoring Center, NDRC: Market and Contract Price: Coal.

Get the latest insights on price movement and trend analysis of Coking Coal in different regions across the world (Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East Africa).

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.

China Market Price: Power Coal: 5000-5500 Calorie: Price at Mines data was reported at 470.000 RMB/Ton in Feb 2019. This records an increase from the previous number of 465.000 RMB/Ton for Jan 2019. China Market Price: Power Coal: 5000-5500 Calorie: Price at Mines data is updated monthly, averaging 386.000 RMB/Ton from Apr 2014 (Median) to Feb 2019, with 59 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 521.000 RMB/Ton in Dec 2018 and a record low of 245.000 RMB/Ton in Dec 2015. China Market Price: Power Coal: 5000-5500 Calorie: Price at Mines data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Price Monitoring Center, NDRC. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Price – Table CN.PA: Price Monitoring Center, NDRC: Market and Contract Price: Coal.

Brazil Energy: Average Current Prices: Source: Coal: Vapor data was reported at 31.257 USD/BOE in 2023. This records a decrease from the previous number of 31.791 USD/BOE for 2022. Brazil Energy: Average Current Prices: Source: Coal: Vapor data is updated yearly, averaging 11.431 USD/BOE from Dec 1973 (Median) to 2023, with 51 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 39.977 USD/BOE in 2011 and a record low of 2.346 USD/BOE in 1973. Brazil Energy: Average Current Prices: Source: Coal: Vapor data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Ministry of Mining and Energy. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Brazil – Table BR.PE001: Average Current and Constant Price. In order to keep the series, is adopted boe based on higher heating value of the source.

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 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 this 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, the growing usage of coal in electricity generation drives the growth of the South African coal market.

Restraint for South Africa Coal market

Difficulties associated with the coal mining: One of the major restraints hindering the growth of the coal market is the increasing operational and environmental difficulties associated with coal mining. As easily accessible coal reserves are depleted, mining companies are forced to extract coal from deeper, more geologically complex, and environmentally sensitive regions. This not only raises production costs significantly but also escalates safety risks for workers and increases the environmental impact. In regions like India and parts of Africa, for instance, coal mining has led to the displacement of communities, water contamination, and deforestation, prompting stronger opposition from local populations and environmental groups. Moreover, regulatory bodies across the globe are tightening mining guidelines, enforcing stricter air and water pollution controls, and mandating land reclamation measures. These requirements often lead to operational delays and higher compliance costs. In the U.S., several coal mines have shut down in the past decade due to a combination of lower profitability and stringent environmental regulations. Additionally, mounting scrutiny from ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investors is causing financial institutions to reduce funding for coal projects. As a result, even major coal-producing nations are beginning to shift investments toward cleaner energy alternatives, making coal mining not only more difficult but also less economically viable in the long term.

Trends in the Coking Coal Market

Continued Demand from Steel Production Amid Infrastructure Expansion: Coking coal is an essential component in blast furnace steelmaking, and its demand remains robust, especially in developing nations engaged in extensive infrastructure and industrial growth. Countries such as India, China, and various Southeast Asian nations are propelling steel demand for construction, transportation, and urbanization, which consequently drives consistent consumption of metallurgical (coking) coal. In spite of worldwide decarbonization initiatives, conventional steelma...

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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 experiencing significant growth driven by the increasing demand for steel, a primary consumer of metallurgical coal. This trend is particularly prominent in regions with robust industrial sectors, such as Asia Pacific. Another key driver is the rise of smart city projects, which require substantial amounts of steel and consequently, metallurgical coal. However, the market is not without challenges. 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 stay abreast of price fluctuations and 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 reduction, and cost reduction through mining technology advancements and automation. Additionally, environmental degradation and air quality concerns have led to st

China Market Price: Power Coal: 5000-5500 Calorie: Price at Railway Station data was reported at 523.000 RMB/Ton in Feb 2019. This records a decrease from the previous number of 527.000 RMB/Ton for Jan 2019. China Market Price: Power Coal: 5000-5500 Calorie: Price at Railway Station data is updated monthly, averaging 476.000 RMB/Ton from Apr 2014 (Median) to Feb 2019, with 59 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 589.000 RMB/Ton in Dec 2018 and a record low of 332.000 RMB/Ton in Dec 2015. China Market Price: Power Coal: 5000-5500 Calorie: Price at Railway Station data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Price Monitoring Center, NDRC. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Price – Table CN.PA: Price Monitoring Center, NDRC: Market and Contract Price: Coal.