Data: SHFE, DCE market movement (Sep 10)

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%.

Premium low-volatile coking coal held at $281.30/t and tier-two hard coking coal at $246.90/t, with no index-eligible trades reported for either grade. Premium low-volatile coking coal on a CFR India basis remained at $305.30/t, as high coal prices and elevated freight continued to discourage Indian spot enquiries. On demand, mills had largely completed restocking and held comfortable inventories, prompting a pause in fresh purchases. Separately, a trader reported rising coal auction failure rates in Shanxi, suggesting increased resistance to high prices among some buyers.

Colombia’s National Association of Generating Companies (ANDEG) and coal industry association Fenalcarbón jointly called on September 8 for coal-fired generation to be included in the next expansion auction, with different technologies allowed to compete on equal terms. Citing relevant projections, the associations said Colombia’s firm energy shortfall could reach 8% in 2028–2029 and up to 10% in 2030–2031. They therefore recommended adding at least 800 MW of thermal capacity to support supply reliability. The associations identified a potential portfolio of up to 870 MW of additional coal-fired capacity through existing plant expansions, structured projects and small- and medium-scale mine-mouth projects. These remain industry proposals.