Coal rose to 106.40 USD/T on September 26, 2025, up 1.29% from the previous day. Over the past month, Coal's price has fallen 4.62%, and is down 23.78% 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 September of 2025.

Coking Coal rose to 194 CNY/T on September 25, 2025, up 0.52% from the previous day. Over the past month, Coking Coal's price has risen 1.84%, but it is still 5.13% 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.

In the third quarter of 2024 (Q3 2024), the Australian coking coal price was *** U.S. dollars per metric ton, down from *** 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.

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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 footprin

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.

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).

View monthly updates and historical trends for Australia Coal Price. Source: World Bank. Track economic data with YCharts analytics.

One of the leading economic industries in Australia, coal mining has contributed significantly to the local economy. In 2024, the price of Australian coal was around 136 U.S. dollars per metric ton. Coal market The contribution of the coal mining industry to Australia’s economy was valued in the billions of Australian dollars. Coal consumption is much lower than production in Australia, so most of the mined coal is exported. In fact, Australia exports the most coal by value out of any other country, with major export partners including China and India. Australia’s reliance on its mining exports may lead to potential problems, particularly if long-term demand drops due to emerging alternative fuel sources, climate action, and increased competition from other coal producing countries. The effect on the tens of thousands of Australian workers in the mining industry may have already been felt, with lower employment numbers recorded recently. Environmental impact Of late, the fugitive emissions from coal mining have come under fire due to their contribution to environmental pollution. In Australia, emissions from underground coal mines were projected to total 19 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030. With a global focus on reducing air pollution and mitigating climate effects, the future of mining in Australia may not be as certain as it once was.

Learn about the factors influencing historical met coal prices, including supply and demand dynamics, global economic conditions, and geopolitical events. Discover how factors such as production costs and environmental regulations impact met coal prices. Explore the volatility of met coal prices over the years and the range of prices in recent times.

The global coal price index reached 155.41 index points in July 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.

Platts met coal prices are benchmark prices for metallurgical (met) coal, also known as coking coal, which is a key ingredient in the steelmaking process. Platts, a leading provider of energy and commodities information, publishes daily price assessments for various types and grades of met coal. They are widely regarded as a reliable and objective source of price information in the coal industry, used for price negotiations, risk management, and market analysis.

Graph and download economic data for Export Price Index (End Use): Metallurgical Grade Coal (IQ11010) from Jan 2025 to Aug 2025 about grades, coal, end use, exports, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

On August 8, 2025, the U.S. Central Appalachian coal price stood at 78 U.S. dollars per short ton. Prices have been especially stable throughout the first half of 2025, with figures staying below 80 U.S. dollars. Central Appalachian coal is produced in parts of Eastern Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, and Tennessee. In 2024, the annual Central Appalachian coal spot price stood at 77.67 U.S. dollars per metric ton.

China Settlement Price: Dalian Commodity Exchange: Coking Coal: 4th Month data was reported at 875.000 RMB/Ton in 13 May 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 876.500 RMB/Ton for 12 May 2025. China Settlement Price: Dalian Commodity Exchange: Coking Coal: 4th Month data is updated daily, averaging 1,253.500 RMB/Ton from Mar 2013 (Median) to 13 May 2025, with 2948 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3,781.500 RMB/Ton in 19 Oct 2021 and a record low of 499.000 RMB/Ton in 24 Nov 2015. China Settlement Price: Dalian Commodity Exchange: Coking Coal: 4th Month data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Dalian Commodity Exchange. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Financial Market – Table CN.ZB: Dalian Commodity Exchange: Commodity Futures: Settlement Price: Daily.

Metallurgical Coal Market Outlook

The global metallurgical coal market size was valued at approximately $210 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to $340 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 5.5% over the forecast period. This significant growth factor is driven by the increasing demand for steel across various industries, particularly in developing economies, which is a critical factor propelling market expansion. The burgeoning infrastructure development projects and the rising automotive production are key contributors to this growth trajectory.

One of the primary growth factors of the metallurgical coal market is the escalating demand for steel production. Steel is an essential material used in construction, automotive, and manufacturing industries. With global urbanization and industrialization trends, particularly in emerging economies in the Asia Pacific region, the need for steel has surged, thereby increasing the demand for metallurgical coal. Moreover, technological advancements in steel production processes, which require high-quality coke derived from metallurgical coal, are further bolstering market growth.

Another critical growth driver is the robust expansion of the automotive industry. Automobiles require a substantial amount of steel for manufacturing, and as the global population continues to grow, so does the demand for vehicles. The shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) also plays a role, as EV production involves a considerable quantity of high-strength steel. This trend is expected to sustain the demand for metallurgical coal, as steel producers ramp up their production capacities to meet the automotive sector's needs.

Furthermore, the push towards infrastructure development across the globe is significantly contributing to the market's expansion. Governments in various regions are investing heavily in infrastructure projects, such as bridges, railways, and buildings, which necessitate large quantities of steel. For instance, China's Belt and Road Initiative and India's Smart Cities Mission are prime examples of large-scale infrastructure projects driving the demand for metallurgical coal. These projects not only stimulate immediate demand but also ensure long-term market stability.

The regional outlook indicates that Asia Pacific remains the dominant market for metallurgical coal, accounting for the largest share. This dominance is due to the presence of major steel-producing countries like China, India, and Japan, which are continually expanding their steel production capacities. North America and Europe also hold significant market shares, driven by technological advancements and infrastructure renewal projects. Meanwhile, Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are showing promising growth potential owing to their emerging steel industries and increasing industrial activities.

Thermal Coal, distinct from metallurgical coal, plays a crucial role in global energy production. It is primarily used for electricity generation in power plants, where it is burned to produce steam that drives turbines. Despite the global shift towards renewable energy sources, thermal coal remains a significant energy source, particularly in developing countries where infrastructure for alternative energy is still evolving. The demand for thermal coal is influenced by factors such as energy policies, economic growth, and technological advancements in power generation. As countries strive to balance energy needs with environmental concerns, the role of thermal coal in the energy mix continues to be a topic of debate and strategic planning.

Grade Analysis

The metallurgical coal market is segmented by grade into Hard Coking Coal, Semi-Hard Coking Coal, Semi-Soft Coking Coal, and Pulverized Coal Injection (PCI). Hard Coking Coal (HCC) is the most sought-after grade due to its superior coking properties, which are essential for producing high-quality coke used in steel production. HCC commands a premium price in the market, and its demand is primarily driven by the steel industry's need for high-strength, durable steel products. The limited availability of high-quality reserves and the complexities involved in mining further elevate its market value.

Semi-Hard Coking Coal (SHCC) and Se

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.

Trends of Coking Coal Market

Ongoing Demand from Steel Production in Light of Infrastructure Expansion: Coking coal is an essential component in blast furnace steel production, and its demand remains robust, especially in developing nations engaged in extensive infrastructure and industrial projects. Countries such as India, China, and those in Southeast Asia are propelling the demand for steel in construction, transportation, and urban development, which consequently drives consistent consumption of metallurgical (coking) coal. In spite of worldwide decarbonization initiatives, conventional steelmaking reliant on coking coal is anticipated to retain a significant share in the near to mid-term.

Growing Emphasis on Low-Emission Steelmaking Technologies: Environmental regulations and the imperative to lower carbon emissions are encouraging the steel sector to investigate low-emission alternatives, including...

View yearly updates and historical trends for Japan Coking Coal Import Price (DISCONTINUED). Source: Energy Institute. Track economic data with YCharts an…

The price of metallurgical coal, also known as met coal, per ton has been subject to fluctuations over the years due to various factors including global demand, supply, production costs, and economic conditions. This article discusses the factors that influence the price of met coal, its recent volatility, and its impact on the steel industry.

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.

Learn about the price fluctuations of metallurgical coal over the years and understand the factors that influence its price. Explore the impact of supply disruptions, demand from the steel industry, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the metallurgical coal market.