Actual
129.30
Daily Change
0.30 0.23%
Monthly
0.47%
Yearly
15.76%
Q3 Forecast
130.90
Coal - Summary

Thermal coal futures rose toward $130 per ton in mid-August, paring recent losses as oil prices surged amid persistent uncertainty over a US-Iran deal to end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Higher oil prices increase the incentive for fuel switching, particularly among energy-importing countries across Europe and Asia. Meanwhile, China’s National Development and Reform Commission and National Energy Administration released the “15th Five-Year Plan for Coal Industry Development,” which aims to lift the proportion of capacity from large, modernized coal mines to 87% and that from intelligent mines to 75% by 2030. The plan also calls for an annual reserve of more than 100 million metric tons of production capacity and seeks to accelerate the closure of outdated mines through market-based and legal measures, while enforcing strict replacement requirements for new capacity.

Coal - Stats

Coal rose to 129.30 USD/T on August 11, 2026, up 0.23% from the previous day. Over the past month, Coal's price has risen 0.47%, and is up 15.76% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Historically, Coal reached an all time high of 457.80 in September of 2022. Coal - data, forecasts, historical chart - was last updated on August 12 of 2026.

Coal - Forecast

Coal rose to 129.30 USD/T on August 11, 2026, up 0.23% from the previous day. Over the past month, Coal's price has risen 0.47%, and is up 15.76% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Coal is expected to trade at 130.90 USD/MT by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. Looking forward, we estimate it to trade at 141.44 in 12 months time.



Price Day Month Year Date
Crude Oil 82.58 -0.620 -0.75% 5.68% 31.81% Aug/12
Brent 88.37 -0.540 -0.61% 6.09% 34.65% Aug/12
Natural gas 2.79 0.0239 0.86% -3.66% -1.31% Aug/12
Heating Oil 4.28 0.0325 0.76% 12.00% 90.94% Aug/12
Coal 129.30 0.30 0.23% 0.47% 15.76% Aug/11
EU Gas 60.14 1.40 2.39% 16.90% 84.47% Aug/12
UK Gas 148.74 4.5200 3.13% 19.81% 84.68% Aug/12
Bitumen 4,151.00 40.00 0.97% 4.72% 19.59% Aug/12
Ethanol 1.99 0.0325 1.66% 1.02% 15.07% Aug/12
Uranium 87.15 0.2500 0.29% 1.81% 20.54% Aug/12
Cobalt 56,290.00 0 0% 0% 68.86% Aug/11
Lead 1,909.73 1.50 0.08% 2.05% -3.94% Aug/12
Aluminum 3,306.75 -53.80 -1.60% 4.79% 26.66% Aug/12
Tin 55,912.00 160 0.29% 6.30% 65.00% Aug/11
Zinc 3,737.25 6.60 0.18% 4.81% 32.18% Aug/12
Nickel 16,890.00 70 0.42% 0.90% 10.83% Aug/12
Palladium 1,371.00 1.00 0.07% 9.42% 21.49% Aug/12


Coal
Coal is one of the most widely used energy sources globally, particularly for electricity generation and industrial processes such as steel production. Despite the growth of renewable energy, coal remains a key component of the global energy mix, and its prices are closely monitored due to their impact on power generation costs and industrial activity. Coal futures are traded on major exchanges, including the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) and the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX). A widely referenced contract is the Newcastle coal futures contract listed on ICE, which represents 1,000 metric tonnes. On the supply side, China is the largest producer and consumer of coal globally. Other major producers include the United States, India, Australia, Indonesia, Russia, South Africa, Germany, and Poland. Leading exporters include Indonesia, Australia, Russia, United States, Colombia, South Africa, and Kazakhstan. Coal prices displayed on Trading Economics are based on over-the-counter (OTC) and contract for difference (CFD) financial instruments and are intended to provide a general market reference only. These prices do not represent official benchmark prices. The data is supplied by a third party and, while efforts are made to ensure its reliability, Trading Economics does not verify the data and makes no representations or warranties.
Actual Previous Highest Lowest Dates Unit Frequency
129.30 129.00 457.80 48.40 2008 - 2026 USD/MT Daily

News Stream
Coal Rises as Oil Prices Surge
Thermal coal futures rose toward $130 per ton in mid-August, paring recent losses as oil prices surged amid persistent uncertainty over a US-Iran deal to end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Higher oil prices increase the incentive for fuel switching, particularly among energy-importing countries across Europe and Asia. Meanwhile, China’s National Development and Reform Commission and National Energy Administration released the “15th Five-Year Plan for Coal Industry Development,” which aims to lift the proportion of capacity from large, modernized coal mines to 87% and that from intelligent mines to 75% by 2030. The plan also calls for an annual reserve of more than 100 million metric tons of production capacity and seeks to accelerate the closure of outdated mines through market-based and legal measures, while enforcing strict replacement requirements for new capacity.
2026-08-11
Coal Slips as India Production Rises
Thermal coal futures fell below $130 per ton in early August, hitting four-week lows as India’s coal production increased 7.51% year-on-year to 69.75 million tons in July, strengthening domestic supply and reducing the country’s reliance on imported coal. India also delivered larger coal volumes to power plants and other downstream consumers. Coal prices were further pressured by a sharp decline in oil prices following reports of an imminent agreement between the US and Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Lower oil prices reduced the incentive for fuel switching, particularly among energy-importing countries in Europe and Asia. Meanwhile, coal demand in China picked up after a relatively mild start to the summer gave way to hotter weather, driving higher air conditioner usage and increased electricity consumption.
2026-08-05
Coal Jumps as Chinese Demand Strengthens
Thermal coal futures climbed above $130 per ton ion early August, reaching more than one-month highs as coal demand in China strengthened after a relatively mild start to summer gave way to hotter weather, boosting air conditioner use and electricity consumption. Central and eastern China have been gripped by widespread hot and humid conditions as two high-pressure systems combined to create a heat dome. Despite the increase in demand, China’s coal inventories remain elevated, while domestic production continues to face constraints after a fatal accident in Shanxi in late May prompted extensive safety inspections. Meanwhile, supply concerns in Indonesia also supported prices as dry weather disrupted coal barging operations along the Barito River in Kalimantan, a key transport route for the country’s coal exports, with some miners reportedly declaring force majeure on affected shipments.
2026-07-31