Thermal coal futures from Australia fell to below $130 per tonne in July, not far from their lowest level since early March, as muted purchases from India offset a broader-based rebound for energy commodities. A weak rupee and an upgrade to the quantity of domestic production drove Indian utilities to extend its effort of reducing import dependency. This was combined with elevated levels of domestic inventories for the second-largest consumer to take in lower imports and soften bidding competition from other consumers. Still, energy commodities remained higher since March as fresh escalation between the US and Iran triggered another increase in power prices. LNG tankers held off from crossing the Strait of Hormuz after a vessel was struck by Iran. This supported the outlook that Japan and Korea, the main consumers of higher coal grades from Australia, are likely to maintain coal imports amid higher LNG prices.

Coal fell to 128.60 USD/T on July 10, 2026, down 1.04% from the previous day. Over the past month, Coal's price has fallen 15.26%, but it is still 14.82% higher than a year ago, 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 July 12 of 2026.

Coal fell to 128.60 USD/T on July 10, 2026, down 1.04% from the previous day. Over the past month, Coal's price has fallen 15.26%, but it is still 14.82% higher than a year ago, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Coal is expected to trade at 131.23 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 140.68 in 12 months time.



Price Day Month Year Date
Crude Oil 71.41 -0.670 -0.93% -18.58% 4.32% Jul/10
Brent 76.01 -0.290 -0.38% -15.90% 8.03% Jul/10
Natural gas 2.94 -0.0720 -2.39% -4.76% -11.29% Jul/10
Heating Oil 3.55 -0.0183 -0.51% 1.14% 45.19% Jul/10
Coal 128.60 -1.35 -1.04% -15.26% 14.82% Jul/10
EU Gas 48.80 -1.47 -2.91% -1.79% 37.23% Jul/10
UK Gas 117.19 -3.6400 -3.01% 4.72% 37.47% Jul/11
Bitumen 3,801.00 30.00 0.80% -17.60% 4.62% Jul/10
Ethanol 1.96 0.0275 1.42% 4.53% 10.73% Jul/10
Uranium 85.75 0.2000 0.23% 0.88% 19.51% Jul/10
Cobalt 56,290.00 0 0% 0% 68.86% Jul/09
Lead 1,897.03 3.35 0.18% -2.56% -6.48% Jul/10
Aluminum 3,146.35 -62.65 -1.95% -10.58% 20.84% Jul/10
Tin 53,647.00 1552 2.98% 3.25% 59.86% Jul/09
Zinc 3,614.30 -14.70 -0.41% 3.43% 32.03% Jul/10
Nickel 16,655.00 50 0.30% -6.41% 9.32% Jul/10
Palladium 1,276.50 22.50 1.79% 2.16% -0.85% Jul/10


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
128.60 129.95 457.80 48.40 2008 - 2026 USD/MT Daily

News Stream
Coal Hover Near 3-Month Low
Thermal coal futures from Australia fell to below $130 per tonne in July, not far from their lowest level since early March, as muted purchases from India offset a broader-based rebound for energy commodities. A weak rupee and an upgrade to the quantity of domestic production drove Indian utilities to extend its effort of reducing import dependency. This was combined with elevated levels of domestic inventories for the second-largest consumer to take in lower imports and soften bidding competition from other consumers. Still, energy commodities remained higher since March as fresh escalation between the US and Iran triggered another increase in power prices. LNG tankers held off from crossing the Strait of Hormuz after a vessel was struck by Iran. This supported the outlook that Japan and Korea, the main consumers of higher coal grades from Australia, are likely to maintain coal imports amid higher LNG prices.
2026-07-08
Coal Retreats to Pre-War Levels
Thermal coal futures fell below $130 per ton, returning to levels last seen before the Middle East conflict erupted as continued peace talks between the US and Iran raised hopes for a lasting resolution and the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Investors are closely watching the latest developments in negotiations between Washington and Tehran in Qatar following a recent flare-up in hostilities around the key shipping route. Oil and natural gas prices have also retreated to pre-war levels, with analysts forecasting a global supply surplus as Middle Eastern production rebounds, reducing the need for fuel switching. Meanwhile, China’s latest five-year plan reaffirmed its "all-of-the-above" energy strategy by expanding both coal-fired power generation and renewable energy. China remains the world’s largest investor in clean energy while continuing to lead global coal expansion, accounting for 78% of new coal power capacity added worldwide in 2025.
2026-07-01
Coal Extends Decline on US-Iran Deal
Thermal coal futures fell below $130 per ton, extending their retreat from near three-year highs after the US and Iran signed an interim peace agreement that paves the way for the reopening of the crucial Strait of Hormuz. The development pushed energy prices lower and reduced incentives for fuel switching. The agreement also includes the lifting of sanctions on Iranian oil exports, while negotiations on nuclear issues and potential additional economic incentives for Iran will follow. The prolonged disruption had previously driven energy importers across Asia and Europe to seek alternatives to Persian Gulf natural gas, with Japan and South Korea notably increasing coal consumption during the conflict. Meanwhile, coal prices had surged to multi-year highs earlier this month after Indonesia tightened export controls on key commodities, a move expected to delay shipments from the world’s largest coal exporter.
2026-06-18