[Trump : Le détroit d'Ormuz va bientôt rouvrir ou l'Iran sera durement frappé]

In the second quarter of 2026, coal volumes transported by major eastern US railroads CSX and Norfolk Southern increased by 5% and 4%, respectively. However, their domestic coal shipments fell by 2% and 8%, while export volumes rose by 12% and 25%. The figures show that growth in US coal transportation was driven mainly by overseas demand rather than domestic power-sector consumption. Although the US government has introduced measures to support coal, including regulatory rollbacks and efforts to delay coal-plant retirements, coal consumption for electricity generation remained below year-earlier levels from January through May as natural gas and solar continued to displace coal. Weak domestic demand is likely to limit upside in US thermal coal prices, while stronger exports may provide some support to Appalachian thermal and metallurgical coal. However, increased US export supply could also limit gains in international coal prices.

A worker believed to be in his 50s died after being struck by a truck at the United Wambo open-cut coal mine in New South Wales, Australia. The mine, located about 23 kilometres west of Singleton, is jointly operated by Glencore and Peabody. Mining operations have been suspended while police, regulators and union safety representatives investigate the incident, with a report to be prepared for the coroner. A prolonged shutdown could reduce near-term coal output and provide some support to related coal markets. However, no information has been provided on the duration of the suspension, production losses or the coal grades affected, making it too early to assess the impact on thermal coal, coking coal or prices.

Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has set the Coal Benchmark Price (Harga Batu Bara Acuan, HBA) for the first half of August 2026 at US$124.44 per tonne, down US$7.41 per tonne, or approximately 5.62%, from US$131.85 per tonne in the previous period. The new price took effect on August 1 and will remain valid for two weeks. HBA serves as the basis for calculating official reference prices for different coal grades and coal-related Non-Tax State Revenue (Penerimaan Negara Bukan Pajak, PNBP).