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.

Graph and download economic data for Wholesale Price of Bituminous Coal, Mines for United States (M0490BUSM294NNBR) from Jan 1923 to Feb 1948 about coal, wholesale, mining, price, and USA.

No Satisfactory Prices Obtained For August, 1922 On Account Of Strike. The Number Of Cities Varies. It Is 45 For The Period 1920- 1922; It Is 38 For 1923 To June, 1940; 37 Cities For September And October 1940; 36 Cities For November, 1940; 35 Cities From December, 1940 On. The Data For The Years 1942-1944 Were Collected By The Bls Through The Survey Of Current Business And Were Cross Checked With Bls"Retail Prices By Cities" (Mimeographed Release, Monthly). This Series Consists Of Retail Prices Of Bituminous Coal Used For Household Purposes. "Since July, 1935, Retail Prices Of Coal Have Been Collected Quarterly And Will Be Shown For January, April, July, And October. This Series Will Continue The Monthly Reports Shown For June, 1920- July, 1935 Incl." Bls"Retail Prices" October, 1935, P. 15. (1936 On Bls Shows September Price.) In Computing Monthly Means Index For March, June, September, And December: For September, 1935, October Was Used, For December, 1935, January, 1936 Was Used, For March, 1936, April, 1936 Was Used, For June, 1936, July, 1936 Was Used. Source: Bls Bulletin Nos. 334, 396, 418, 445, 464, 495, And Monthly Issues Of "Retail Prices" Through 1941.

This NBER data series m04047 appears on the NBER website in Chapter 4 at http://www.nber.org/databases/macrohistory/contents/chapter04.html.

NBER Indicator: m04047

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.

Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Commodity: Fuels and Related Products and Power: Prepared Bituminous Coal and Lignite, from Surface Mine (Utility Sold) (WPU05120921) from Jun 2008 to May 2025 about mechanical, coal, fuels, mining, commodities, PPI, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

Soft coking coal is a type of coal used in steel-making. This article discusses the factors that influence the price of soft coking coal, including supply and demand dynamics, market speculation, production costs, and transportation costs. It also highlights the impact of the steel industry, supply disruptions, market speculation, production costs, and global economic conditions on the price of soft coking coal. Market participants closely monitor these factors to make informed decisions.

U.S. Bituminous Coal Prices: 24 years of historical data from 1920 to 1944.

Learn about the factors that influence the price of sub-bituminous coal, including quality, location, market demand, government regulations, environmental considerations, and global economic conditions.

Learn about the factors that influence the price of semi-soft coking coal, including supply and demand dynamics, production costs, transportation costs, and global economic conditions. Discover how changes in steel demand and supply chain disruptions can impact the availability and pricing of this key ingredient in steelmaking.

Learn about the factors that determine the price of bituminous coal, including supply and demand dynamics, transportation costs, coal quality, and government regulations. Find out the current price range and sources for accurate pricing information.

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.

United States - Producer Price Index by Industry: Bituminous Coal and Lignite Surface Mining: Processed Bituminous Coal and Lignite from Surface Operations was 234.11100 Index Dec 2001=100 in May of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Producer Price Index by Industry: Bituminous Coal and Lignite Surface Mining: Processed Bituminous Coal and Lignite from Surface Operations reached a record high of 238.03200 in February of 2025 and a record low of 100.00000 in December of 2001. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Producer Price Index by Industry: Bituminous Coal and Lignite Surface Mining: Processed Bituminous Coal and Lignite from Surface Operations - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on July of 2025.

United States - Producer Price Index by Industry: Bituminous Coal and Lignite Surface Mining was 210.34100 Index Dec 2001=100 in December of 2022, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Producer Price Index by Industry: Bituminous Coal and Lignite Surface Mining reached a record high of 210.34100 in December of 2022 and a record low of 100.00000 in December of 2001. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Producer Price Index by Industry: Bituminous Coal and Lignite Surface Mining - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on June of 2025.

Learn about the factors that affect the price of bituminous coal per ton, including quality, market demand, supply, transportation costs, and extraction method. Explore how carbon content, market dynamics, transportation costs, and mining techniques impact the price of bituminous coal.

Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Industry: Coal Mining: Raw Bituminous Coal Shipped from Underground Mining Operations (Utility Sold) (PCU212110212110121) from Dec 2022 to May 2025 about coal, operating, utilities, mining, sales, PPI, industry, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

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 PPI: Mining: Coal: Soft-coal and Hard-coal Mining & Dressing data was reported at 87.200 Prev Year=100 in Feb 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 89.600 Prev Year=100 for Jan 2025. China PPI: Mining: Coal: Soft-coal and Hard-coal Mining & Dressing data is updated monthly, averaging 97.000 Prev Year=100 from Jan 2014 (Median) to Feb 2025, with 134 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 206.100 Prev Year=100 in Oct 2021 and a record low of 80.200 Prev Year=100 in Jun 2023. China PPI: Mining: Coal: Soft-coal and Hard-coal Mining & Dressing data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Inflation – Table CN.IE: Producer Price Index: Same Month PY=100.

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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

The global bituminous coal market is experiencing a period of moderate growth, driven primarily by its continued use in electricity generation, particularly in developing economies. While facing significant headwinds from environmental concerns and the transition to renewable energy sources, the market's resilience is anchored by its relatively low cost and established infrastructure. Our analysis projects a market size of approximately $150 billion in 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2% from 2025 to 2033. This growth, although modest, reflects a persistent demand, particularly in regions with limited access to alternative energy sources and substantial existing coal-fired power plants. The market segmentation reveals a significant portion dedicated to electricity generation, followed by the chemical, cement, and steel industries. Key players, such as China Shenhua, Datong Coal Mine, and China Coal Energy, are likely to maintain their market leadership, though competition will intensify as some companies consolidate or exit the market due to environmental pressures. Regional variations are expected, with robust growth projected in some developing Asian markets offsetting declines in more environmentally conscious regions like North America and Europe. The persistent restraints on growth involve increasingly stringent environmental regulations, the rising cost of carbon emissions, and the expansion of renewable energy capacity. The long-term outlook for bituminous coal remains uncertain, with the market's trajectory largely dependent on policy changes related to carbon emissions and the pace of renewable energy adoption. While a decline is anticipated over the forecast period, the demand for bituminous coal will likely persist due to its established infrastructure, particularly in emerging economies experiencing rapid industrialization. Strategic investments in carbon capture and storage technologies could mitigate some environmental concerns and potentially prolong the market's lifespan, though this remains a significant challenge. The evolution of government policies, the global energy landscape, and technological advancements will play crucial roles in shaping the market’s future and influencing investment decisions within the bituminous coal sector. This report provides an in-depth analysis of the global bituminous coal market, offering critical insights into production, consumption, trade, and future trends. We project a market valued at $300 billion by 2028, driven by robust demand from key industries and evolving technological advancements in coal utilization. This report is essential for investors, industry players, and policymakers seeking to understand this dynamic and critical energy sector.

China Bituminous Coal & Anthracite Mining & Dressing: Cost of Sales: Year to Date data was reported at 1,563.238 RMB bn in Oct 2015. This records an increase from the previous number of 1,404.875 RMB bn for Sep 2015. China Bituminous Coal & Anthracite Mining & Dressing: Cost of Sales: Year to Date data is updated monthly, averaging 700.917 RMB bn from Dec 2003 (Median) to Oct 2015, with 97 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2,372.627 RMB bn in Dec 2012 and a record low of 57.608 RMB bn in Feb 2006. China Bituminous Coal & Anthracite Mining & Dressing: Cost of Sales: Year to Date data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Industrial Sector – Table CN.BGA: Coal: Bituminous Coal and Anthracite Mining and Dressing.