API2 Rotterdam coal futures amounted to *****U.S. dollars per 1,000 metric tons on September 8, 2025 for contracts with delivery in September 2025. API2 Rotterdam is a Europe-wide coal price benchmark. Import prices for thermal coal became more volatile following the Russia-Ukraine war and European Union sanctions on Russian coal imports. However, since 2024, the AP12 Rotterdam as well as the worldwide coal price index have been comparatively stable.

Coal rose to 104 USD/T on October 20, 2025, up 0.53% from the previous day. Over the past month, Coal's price has risen 0.10%, but it is still 28.57% 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 October of 2025.

The Northwest Europe coal marker price stood at *** U.S. dollars per metric ton in 2024. This was a decrease when compared to the coal marker prices of the previous year. Prices varied during the period under consideration.

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.

Euro Area - Producer prices in industry: Mining of hard coal was 98.30 points in December of 2019, according to the EUROSTAT. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for Euro Area - Producer prices in industry: Mining of hard coal - last updated from the EUROSTAT on October of 2025. Historically, Euro Area - Producer prices in industry: Mining of hard coal reached a record high of 102.30 points in April of 2015 and a record low of 70.90 points in July of 2006.

The East European coal market reached $72.8B in 2024, standing approx. at the previous year. Overall, consumption, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $78.9B. From 2023 to 2024, the growth of the market remained at a somewhat lower figure.

View yearly updates and historical trends for Northwest Europe Coal Marker Price (DISCONTINUED). Source: Energy Institute. Track economic data with YChart…

The global coal price index reached 156.46 index points in August 2025. This was an increase 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.

Analysis of Europe's coal market from 2024 to 2035, covering consumption, production, trade, key countries, and price trends, with forecasts for volume and value growth.

European Union - Producer prices in industry: Mining of coal and lignite was 134.60 points in July of 2025, according to the EUROSTAT. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for European Union - Producer prices in industry: Mining of coal and lignite - last updated from the EUROSTAT on October of 2025. Historically, European Union - Producer prices in industry: Mining of coal and lignite reached a record high of 183.60 points in May of 2023 and a record low of 37.70 points in February of 2000.

The EU coal market is forecast to grow slightly to 487M tons by 2035, driven by rising demand. Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic dominate consumption, while the Netherlands leads in import growth.

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.

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

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.

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).

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.

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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

This table shows the import price of steam coal based on both weight and calorific value. The price is corrected for differences in the calorific value of the coals. The calorific value is the amount of heat released during combustion. By way of information, the table also shows the net calorific value of steam coal. The table covers only imports from non EU-countries. Data available: From 1st quarter 1981 till 3rd quarter 2016. Status of the figures: All figures from 1st quarter 1981 to 3rd quarter 2015 are definite. Figures from 4th quarter 2015 till 3rd quarter 2016 are provisional. The status of the figures will not be changed, because this table has been discontinued. Changes as of June 19th 2019 : None. This table has been discontinued. There will be a custom-made table. For more information see 3. Links to relevant tables and articles. When will new figures be published? Annual figures: Not applicable anymore. Quarterly figures: Not applicable anymore.

Learn about the expected growth in the European coal market over the next decade, driven by rising demand. By 2035, the market volume is projected to reach 950M tons, with a value of $154.1B.