Coal market in Australia

Earlier Report Observations

The Australian coal market size showed notable variability from 2018 to 2022. Starting at 116.6 million tonnes in 2018, it increased by 10% to reach a peak of 128.3 million tonnes in 2019. This upward trend reversed in 2020, with the market size falling back to 116.4 million tonnes.

The market continued to contract in 2021, declining to 113.7 million tonnes. This period coincided with significant disruptions to coal production and global supply chains, which constrained output and contributed to reduced domestic market volume. Strong demand from Asian export markets supported high international prices but did not offset the decline in local availability.

By 2022, the market size had stabilized at 113.1 million tonnes. This equilibrium occurred amidst severe global trade flow disruptions and an energy security crisis following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which introduced widespread volatility into coal markets. Warmer weather conditions in Australia helped mitigate supply disruptions from tropical cyclones, aiding market stability.

Production coal in Australia

In kind, 2018-2021, M t

Australia ranked 5th globally in coal production from 2018 to 2021.

Top producers of coal, 2018-2021

World map of production of coal, 2018-2021

Coal production in Australia declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 480.1 million tonnes of coal, marking a 1.4% year-on-year decrease. Over the 2018-2021 period, production fell by 4.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 524.0 million tonnes, which saw the largest increase of 4.3%. The most significant decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 7.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Australia in kind, 2018-2021, M t

Exports coal from Australia

Exports in kind, M t

Australia's coal export volumes decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the country exported 366.5 million tonnes of coal, which is 1.2% lower than in 2020. From 2018 to 2021, exports declined by 5.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.7%. The peak export volume was in 2019 at 396.0 million tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 2.5%. The most substantial decline was recorded in 2020, with a 6.4% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia in kind, 2018-2021, M t

From 2018 to 2021, Japan, China, and India were the top destinations for Australia's coal exports by volume. Japan accounted for 29.7% of exports, China for 16.8%, and India for 14.8%. Together, these three countries made up 61.3% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Australia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of decline, Australia's coal exports in value terms rebounded in 2021. Exports amounted to 46 599 million US dollars, representing a sharp increase of 54.5% compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, however, exports decreased by 6.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 30 163 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 32.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In terms of value from 2018 to 2021, Japan, India, and China were the leading destinations for Australia's coal exports. Japan accounted for 28.9% of export value, India for 17.7%, and China for 15.4%. Collectively, these three countries represented 62.0% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Australia in value, 2018-2021

Imports coal to Australia

Imports in kind, M t

The market for coal imports into Australia showed volatility during this period. Import volumes fluctuated significantly, with a 2.5-fold difference between the low in 2018 and the high in 2019. In 2021, Australia imported 0.1 million tonnes of coal, a sharp decline of 56.0% compared to 2020. The highest import volume was in 2019 at 0.3 million tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 154.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Australia in kind, 2018-2021, M t

From 2018 to 2021, Russia, Indonesia, and Colombia were the primary sources of coal imports into Australia by volume. Russia accounted for 27.0% of imports, Indonesia for 21.4%, and Colombia for 15.6%. Together, these three countries comprised 64.0% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Australia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

Australia's coal import market exhibited volatility from 2018 to 2021. Import values reached their peak in 2019 and fell to their lowest point in 2018, showing a 1.8-fold fluctuation. In 2021, imports totaled 25 million US dollars, a steep decline of 27.6% compared to 2020. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 42 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 78.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Australia in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In value terms from 2018 to 2021, Russia, Colombia, and Indonesia were the largest suppliers of coal to Australia. Russia accounted for 24.0% of import value, Colombia for 21.4%, and Indonesia for 12.5%. Combined, these three countries formed 57.9% of total imports in value terms.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Australia in value, 2018-2021