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.

Monthly and long-term thermal coal price data (US$/mt): historical series and analyst forecasts curated by FocusEconomics.

On September 26, 2025, the U.S. Central Appalachian coal price stood at 79 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

The steam coal price index is a measure of the price of steam coal in the global market. This article provides an overview of the steam coal price index, its importance in the energy sector, and the commonly used indices such as the Global Coal Newcastle Index (GCNC), Miller Argus Index (MAI), and Richards Bay Index (RB Index). It also highlights the role of these indices in tracking price trends, making investment decisions, and understanding market dynamics in the coal industry.

Graph and download economic data for Global price of Coal, Australia (PCOALAUUSDM) from Jan 1990 to Jun 2025 about coal, Australia, World, and price.

Australian coal prices in , October, 2025 For that commodity indicator, we provide data from January 1970 to October 2025. The average value during that period was 58.5 USD per metric ton with a minimum of 7.8 USD per metric ton in January 1970 and a maximum of 430.81 USD per metric ton in September 2022. | TheGlobalEconomy.com

Colombia Domestic Price: Thermal Coal: COP data was reported at 127,584.340 COP/Ton in 2015. This records an increase from the previous number of 119,190.240 COP/Ton for 2014. Colombia Domestic Price: Thermal Coal: COP data is updated yearly, averaging 58,881.000 COP/Ton from Dec 1994 (Median) to 2015, with 22 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 127,584.340 COP/Ton in 2015 and a record low of 24,187.000 COP/Ton in 1994. Colombia Domestic Price: Thermal Coal: COP data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Colombian Mining Information System. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Colombia – Table CO.RB029: Coal Price.

Colombia Export Price: Coal: Thermal Coal data was reported at 52.030 USD/Ton in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 58.000 USD/Ton for 2015. Colombia Export Price: Coal: Thermal Coal data is updated yearly, averaging 37.840 USD/Ton from Dec 1984 (Median) to 2016, with 33 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 96.770 USD/Ton in 2011 and a record low of 25.290 USD/Ton in 1989. Colombia Export Price: Coal: Thermal Coal data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Colombian Mining Information System. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Colombia – Table CO.RB029: Coal Price.

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.

The global coal price index reached 145.08 index points in September 2025. This was a decrease 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.

Learn about the factors that influence thermal coal prices and how they fluctuate in response to changes in demand, government regulations, and environmental concerns. Discover the impact of renewable energy, globalization, and geopolitical factors on the pricing of thermal coal. Find out where to access real-time market reports and understand how location and coal specifications affect pricing. Stay informed with reliable and up-to-date information on the latest thermal coal prices.

Colombia Domestic Price: Thermal Coal: USD data was reported at 42.948 USD/Ton in 2015. This records a decrease from the previous number of 54.981 USD/Ton for 2014. Colombia Domestic Price: Thermal Coal: USD data is updated yearly, averaging 26.356 USD/Ton from Dec 1994 (Median) to 2015, with 22 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 55.699 USD/Ton in 2011 and a record low of 12.059 USD/Ton in 2001. Colombia Domestic Price: Thermal Coal: USD data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Colombian Mining Information System. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Colombia – Table CO.RB: Coal Price.

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.

View yearly updates and historical trends for US Central Appalachian Coal Spot Price Index. Source: Energy Institute. Track economic data with YCharts ana…

Learn about the factors that influence the price of steam coal, including supply and demand dynamics, market conditions, and global trends in the energy industry. Understand how changes in energy policies, economic conditions, and environmental concerns impact steam coal prices. Explore the average price range, regional variations, and the factors driving the demand for steam coal. Discover how the availability and affordability of alternative energy sources, market conditions, and geopolitical events also

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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