【Indonesia's Coal Exports Drop for 3rd Month as Low River Levels Hinder Shipments, Boosting Thermal Coal Prices】

Published: Sep 10, 2026 16:21

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Indonesia’s seaborne coal exports totaled 36.10 million tonnes in August 2026, down 23.34% year on year and 6.54% month on month. Exports declined for a third consecutive month to their lowest August level in five years. Drought lowered water depths on the Barito River from the usual 8–18 metres to 3–4 metres, forcing some barges to halve their loads. Some stretches became unnavigable, and several producers declared force majeure. Shipments to major destinations were mixed: exports to China and India reached 14.47 million tonnes and 7.10 million tonnes, up 1.26% and 12.01% month on month, respectively, while shipments to the Philippines and Vietnam fell 26.38% and 21.58%.

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