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.

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.

API2 Rotterdam coal futures amounted to *****U.S. dollars per 1,000 metric tons on October 27, 2025 for contracts with delivery in November 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.

Coking coal futures prices refer to the contracts traded on commodity exchanges for future delivery of coking coal. This article explains how the prices are influenced by various factors and the role of commodity exchanges in facilitating trading. It also discusses how traders and investors can take long and short positions, and the importance of monitoring factors influencing coking coal prices.

Coal prices vary by country and are influenced by a range of factors including supply and demand dynamics, production costs, transportation costs, government policies, and market competition. This article provides an overview of coal prices in key countries such as China, India, the United States, Australia, and Indonesia, highlighting the factors that influence their prices. It also mentions the impact of environmental concerns and efforts to transition to cleaner sources of energy on future coal prices.

Learn about thermal coal futures, a financial derivative that allows investors to speculate on the future price movements of thermal coal. Discover how these contracts are traded, the motivations for trading them, and the factors that influence their prices. Understand the benefits and risks associated with investing in thermal coal futures.

China Settlement Price: ZCE: Thermal Coal: 4th Month data was reported at 801.400 RMB/Ton in 02 Dec 2025. This stayed constant from the previous number of 801.400 RMB/Ton for 01 Dec 2025. China Settlement Price: ZCE: Thermal Coal: 4th Month data is updated daily, averaging 551.000 RMB/Ton from Sep 2013 (Median) to 02 Dec 2025, with 2962 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1,732.400 RMB/Ton in 19 Oct 2021 and a record low of 288.600 RMB/Ton in 25 Nov 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.

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.

The price of hard coal, also known as anthracite coal, is influenced by a variety of factors including global demand and supply, extraction costs, transportation expenses, and government policies. Understanding these factors is essential for stakeholders in the coal industry, energy markets, and the overall economy to make informed decisions and predictions about future coal prices.

TraditionData’s Coal Markets Data & Pricing service provides independent end-of-day data for global coal benchmarks, essential for market risk assessment and trading.

• Offers futures coal prices for key global benchmarks.
• Includes broker prices based on daily market activity.
• Coverage typically spans up to 3 years, with historical data available on request.

Visit Coal Markets Data & Pricing for further details.

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.

Snapshot img

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?

Request Free Sample

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

Coal futures price refers to the current and projected value of coal contracts in the financial market. This article discusses the factors that can influence coal futures prices, including supply and demand dynamics, weather conditions, environmental regulations, alternative energy developments, and global economic factors. Investors and entities involved in the coal industry monitor these prices to make informed decisions about buying or selling coal contracts.

New Castle Coal Futures are financial contracts traded on the Intercontinental Exchange that allow market participants to manage price risk or speculate on the future price movements of coal. Learn about the factors influencing coal prices, the role of speculation, and the risks involved in trading these contracts.

China Settlement Price: ZCE: Thermal Coal: 1st Month data was reported at 801.400 RMB/Ton in 13 May 2025. This stayed constant from the previous number of 801.400 RMB/Ton for 12 May 2025. China Settlement Price: ZCE: Thermal Coal: 1st Month data is updated daily, averaging 619.800 RMB/Ton from Sep 2013 (Median) to 13 May 2025, with 2824 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2,301.600 RMB/Ton in 19 Oct 2021 and a record low of 303.200 RMB/Ton in 07 Jan 2016. China Settlement Price: ZCE: Thermal Coal: 1st 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.

China Settlement Price: ZCE: Thermal Coal: 2nd Month data was reported at 801.400 RMB/Ton in 02 Dec 2025. This stayed constant from the previous number of 801.400 RMB/Ton for 01 Dec 2025. China Settlement Price: ZCE: Thermal Coal: 2nd Month data is updated daily, averaging 572.000 RMB/Ton from Sep 2013 (Median) to 02 Dec 2025, with 2962 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2,096.400 RMB/Ton in 19 Oct 2021 and a record low of 282.000 RMB/Ton in 24 Nov 2015. China Settlement Price: ZCE: Thermal Coal: 2nd 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.

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...

Thermal coal futures prices are influenced by supply and demand dynamics, global economic conditions, government policies, and environmental considerations. This article explains the significance of thermal coal in meeting global energy demands, how futures contracts provide hedging and speculative opportunities, and the various factors that impact thermal coal futures prices.

The price of thermal coal is determined by factors such as supply and demand, production costs, environmental regulations, and the availability of alternatives. This article provides an overview of these factors and discusses major global thermal coal price indices. It also highlights the price volatility and uncertainties surrounding the future outlook for thermal coal prices.

Learn about the factors that influence international coal prices per ton and the fluctuations it has experienced in recent years. Explore the impact of geopolitical tensions, environmental regulations, and technological advancements on coal prices, as well as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Discover the uncertain future of coal prices amidst the transition to cleaner energy sources and government policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions.