August 5, 2026 - In the first eight months of 2026, exports of coking coal from Australia rose by 3.5% compared with the same period last year, reaching 100 million tonnes. Despite the modest overall figure, the August data show a significant acceleration in growth.  This is reported by BigMint.

In August, shipment volumes reached 13.6 million tonnes, which is 9.2% higher than the figure for August 2025 and 10.8% higher than the July figure.

Major structural shifts have taken place in the geography of exports:

1. India. Although it remains the largest buyer of Australian coal, exports to the country fell by 18.6% year-on-year — from 26.8 million tonnes to 21.8 million tonnes. India’s share of Australia’s exports fell from 27.7% – to 21.8%.

2. China. The country became the main driver of growth, increasing its imports by almost 80% year-on-year — from 6.6 million tonnes to 11.9 million tonnes. The additional 5.3 million tonnes purchased by China fully offset the decline in Indian demand (5 million tonnes). China’s share rose from 6.9% to 11.9%.

3. Other Asian countries. Japan increased its purchases by 5.4% year-on-year (to 20.8 million tonnes), closing the gap on India’s figures. Vietnam also showed positive growth, whilst shipments to South Korea fell by 10%.

The main increase in shipments was recorded at terminals in the state of Queensland. The DBCT terminal increased its throughput by 9.8% year-on-year to 32.9 million tonnes, Gladstone by 3% year-on-year – to 31.9 million tonnes, and Hay Point by 4.9% year-on-year – to 24.1 million tonnes. Meanwhile, the Abbott Point terminal saw a 15.4% year-on-year decline in volumes.

The reorientation of trade flows has reduced Australia’s dependence on Indian steelmakers and strengthened its position in the competition between key Asian markets. If Chinese demand remains high and India resumes purchases after the monsoon season ends, competition amongst buyers for Australian raw materials is expected to intensify in the second half of 2026.

As reported by GMK Center, global coking coal prices showed a significant increase in August due to rising demand in China against a backdrop of supply shortages. The price of high-quality coking coal FOB Australia stood at $267.1/t as at 28 August 2026 (+22.2% compared with 31 July).