It is forecast that the average price for hard coking coal in 2026 will be 21.80 nominal U.S. dollars per metric ton. Meanwhile, the average price for semi-soft coking coal is forecast to be 138.20 nominal U.S. dollars per metric ton that year.

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.

Explore the dynamic and volatile hard coking coal price trends influenced by global demand, supply chain disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and the shift towards sustainable energy. Understand the impact of these factors on steel production costs and market strategies.

In the third quarter of 2024 (Q3 2024), the Australian coking coal price was 211 U.S. dollars per metric ton, down from 243 U.S. dollars per metric ton in the previous quarter. Coking coal, also known as metallurgical coal, is a low-ash, low-sulfur, low-phosphorus coal that is used to produce coke, which is the main source of carbon used to make steel.

The price of hard coking coal is influenced by supply and demand dynamics, production costs, trade policies, and global economic conditions. Learn about the factors that affect the price of this essential coal used in steelmaking and how it can impact market participants.

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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 driven by the increasing demand for steel and the rise in several smart city projects, leading to an increase in consumption of coal. However, the market faces challenges such as volatility in metallurgical coal prices due to supply and demand imbalances. To mitigate this, coal blending and coal characterization through techniques like coal washing, coal property analysis using vitrinite reflectance and petrography, and coal reserve exploration are crucial.
Coal washing enhances coal quality by removing impurities, while coal characterization provides insights into coal's caking index, thermal maturity, and carbonization properties. Fossil carbon's role in the coal industry is significant as it is a critical feedstock in steel manufacturing and carbonization processes. The demand-supply gap in the market necessitates efficient coal production and utilization strategies.

What will be the Size of the Market During the Forecast Period?

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How is this market segmented and which is the largest segment?

The market 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


End-User

  Construction
  Transportation
  Health Care
  Agriculture
  Others


Geography

  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan


  North America

    Canada
    US


  Europe

    Germany
    UK
    France


  Middle East and Africa

    UAE


  South America

    Brazil

By Application Insights

The steel making segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Metallurgical coal plays a crucial role in the steel industry, serving as the primary feedstock for coke production in steelmaking processes. The BF-BOF (Basic Oxygen Furnace-Blast Furnace) and EAF (Electric Arc Furnace) routes are the two primary methods for producing steel. In the BF-BOF process, large quantities of metallurgical coal are required to produce carbon-rich coke, which is essential for reduction of iron ore and the production of pig iron. In contrast, the EAF process uses scrap metal and requires lower volumes of metallurgical coal for anaerobic heating. While both methods contribute to steel production, the BF-BOF process was the dominant method used in 2020.

Furthermore, the consumption of steel is often used as an economic development indicator, and this growth in steel production highlights the ongoing economic recovery. The various types of metallurgical coal, including anthracite, bituminous coal, sub-bituminous coal, and lignite, are utilized based on their carbon content and caking ability in the steelmaking process.

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The steel making segment was valued at USD 160.30 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

APAC is estimated to contribute 85% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional market trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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The market in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is projected to expand at a faster pace compared to other regions, driven by the significant demand from the steel industry. Factors such as industrialization and infrastructure growth in developing countries like China and India are fueling the demand for steel, which relies on metallurgical coal as a primary raw material for its production. With the rapid urbanization of cities in Asia, the need for steel is high for infrastructure development. Metallurgical coal, with its high carbon content, is essential for producing carbon-rich coke required for coking processes in steelmaking. In 2023, China, Australia, Indonesia, and India were the leading contributors to the growth of the market in APAC.

Furthermore, the demand for this coal type is particularly high in countries like China, which is the world's largest consumer and importer of metallurgical coal. The primary use of these in APAC is for electricity generation and household heating, as well as anaerobic heating and the production of pig iron from iron ore. The caking ability of metallurgical coal is crucial for its use in the steel industry, ensuring the successful production of high-quality iron and steel products.

Market Dynamics

Metallurgical coal, also known as coking coal, plays a vital role in the steelmak

The size and share of the market is categorized based on Type (Hard Coking Coal, Semi-Hard Coking Coal, Soft Coking Coal, Low-Volatile Coking Coal) and Application (Steel Production, Industrial Applications, Energy Production, Metallurgical Processes) and geographical regions (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle-East and Africa).

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 spot price of hard coking coal refers to the current price of coal traded on the spot market. This article explores the factors influencing the price, the recent volatility due to market conditions and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It also highlights the importance of monitoring the spot price for participants in the coal industry.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Metallurgical Coal Market size will be USD 15412.5 million in 2024. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.50% from 2024 to 2031.

North America held the major market share for more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 6165.00 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.7% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 4623.75 million.
Asia Pacific held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 3544.88 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America had a market share of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 770.63 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.9% from 2024 to 2031.
Middle East and Africa had a market share of around 2% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 308.25 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.2% from 2024 to 2031.
The hard cooking coal category is the fastest growing segment of the Metallurgical Coal industry

Market Dynamics of Metallurgical Coal Market

Key Drivers for Metallurgical Coal Market

Infrastructural advancement to Boost Market Growth

Global demand for metallurgical coal is mostly driven by the expansion of infrastructure. Steel is a vital building element used in construction projects, and its demand is growing as nations try to update and extend their infrastructure networks. Because it's used to make coke, an essential fuel and reducing agent in blast furnaces, metallurgical coal plays a pivotal role in the steelmaking process. This coke, made from metallurgical coal, makes it easier to separate iron from iron ore and turn it into steel. Thus, there is a significant demand for metallurgical coal as a result of strong infrastructure development projects, which include building roads, bridges, trains, airports, and urban infrastructure. Furthermore, in order to comply with strict performance requirements and safety laws, infrastructure development projects frequently need premium steel with certain metallurgical qualities. Hard coking coals (HCC), in particular, are crucial for making the premium coke required to produce steel with exceptional strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion.

Usage of 3D mine visualizers to Drive Market Growth

Coal mining companies employ 3D mine visualizers to obtain a real-time digital representation of a mine. The operator receives a three-dimensional version of the mine plan created by a three-dimensional mine visualizer. A web-based interface allows any connected device to get information about the model. Operators may examine and assess past data to improve productivity and identify best practices thanks to its comprehensive 3D recording and replay capabilities. 3D mine visualizers are quite helpful for large-scale mining sites. Planning operations, identifying problem areas, and tracking mine development over time can all be done with its help. High-resolution 3D spatial data can be used by users to trace operations from source to port or facility through the use of 3D visualisation.

Restraint Factor for the Metallurgical Coal Market

Disruptions to the Supply Chain, will Limit Market Growth

The production, distribution, and stability of the global metallurgical coal market are all negatively impacted by supply chain disruptions. The supply chain for metallurgical coal can be affected by a number of things, such as traffic jams, labor disputes, natural disasters, geopolitical unrest, and regulatory changes. The flow of metallurgical coal from mines to steel mills and export ports can be hampered by disruptions in the transportation infrastructure, such as port closures, railroad blockades, or road closures, which can cause delays and raise logistics costs. Furthermore, trade disputes or geopolitical tensions between nations may lead to export limits, taxes, or trade barriers that alter market dynamics and impede the flow of metallurgical coal across international borders.

Impact of Covid-19 on the Metallurgical Coal Market

Covid-19 had a significant impact on the Metallurgical Coal Market. Globally, COVID-19 has hindered the expansion of all industries. As lockdown has been imposed w...

Discover the factors influencing the price of premium hard coking coal and its role in the steelmaking process. Learn about the recent fluctuations in price and the current estimated value per metric ton FOB.

The Metallurgical Coal Market is projected to grow at 4.0% CAGR, reaching $17.89 Billion by 2029. Where is the industry heading next? Get the sample report now!

First, domestic prices were measured based on the Polish Power Coal Market Index for sales to professional and industrial energy (PSCM1). Since 2017, coal prices in Poland have been steadily increasing, reaching the highest price of 727.06 zloty/metric ton in the third quarter of 2023. Global coal prices were measured by the ARA index (based on the prices of futures contracts in the ports of Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp). The ARA index has fallen since the third quarter of 2018, closing the second quarter of 2020 at 222 zloty/metric tons. In the fourth quarter of 2024, coal prices were lower on the global market than on the Polish market (considering the current USD/PLN exchange rate), reaching over 461 zloty per metric ton.

The Australian hard coking coal price is an essential indicator for the global steel and coal industries. This article discusses the factors influencing the price, its historical volatility, and its current status. The price is quoted in US dollars per metric tonne and is important for investors, steel producers, and other stakeholders in assessing profitability and market dynamics.

The size of the Metallurgical Coal Market was valued at USD 4.30 USD Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 4.97 USD Billion by 2032, with an expected CAGR of 2.1% during the forecast period. Metallurgical coal or coking coal is the type of coal intended for use in the production of steel. It has properties that qualify it for this use; it has high carbon content and low impurities. The principal categories are hard coking coal, characterized by high carbon content and used extensively in the blast furnacing operation, and soft coking coal, which is used in conjunction with hard coking coal to obtain the required specifications. Some of the characteristics of metallurgical coal include its characteristic of forming coke which is a porous material used in the production of steel. Demands are not only found in the steel-making industry but also the making of carbon electrodes and other carbon goods. Key drivers for this market are: Growing Focus on Safety and Organization to Fuel Market Growth. Potential restraints include: Complex Planning and Delay in Authorization Procedures Can Hamper the Market Growth . Notable trends are: Solar Energy to Play a Significant Role in Achieving Green Energy Targets .

Premium hard coking coal is a high-quality form of coal primarily used in the steel industry for the production of coke. It is known for its strong coking properties, high carbon content, low impurities, and excellent thermal stability.

The size and share of the market is categorized based on Application (Power generation, Steel production, Industrial processes, Heating, Chemical production) and Product (Coking coal, Thermal coal, Anthracite, Semi-anthracite, Metallurgical coal) and geographical regions (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle-East and Africa).

The size and share of the market is categorized based on Type (Hard Coking Coal, Semi-Coking Coal, Soft Coking Coal) and Application (Steel Production, Cement Production, Other Industrial Applications) and End-User (Construction, Manufacturing, Energy Production) and geographical regions (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle-East and Africa).

In Q4 2024, the North American coal market experienced a quarter-on-quarter decline of 2.3%. Demand for coal remained subdued, primarily due to a reduction in consumption across key sectors, including power generation and steel production. The power generation sector continued to rely more on natural gas and renewable energy sources, resulting in lower coal consumption. Additionally, rising inventories of coal in power plants, coupled with relatively low natural gas prices, further dampened the demand for coal.

95667 Global export shipment records of Coking Coal with prices, volume & current Buyer's suppliers relationships based on actual Global export trade database.