Indonesia's non-coking coal exports rise over 10% y-o-y in Jan-Nov'24

• Vietnam sees the sharpest growth at 58%
  
  
• Shipments to India and China up 4% and 3%, respectively
  
  

Indonesian non-coking coal exports showed significant growth in the first 11 months of 2024, reflecting a strong recovery in demand across Asian economies. During January-November 2024, total non-coking coal shipments reached 362.03 million tonnes (mnt), marking a 11% increase from the 326.95 mnt exported during the same period in 2023. This growth highlights Indonesia's sustained ability to cater to rising energy requirements globally.

Exports to key Asian countries

China maintained its position as the top importer of Indonesian non-coking coal. Shipments to the country totalled 96.08 mnt, which is a modest 3% rise from 93.32 mnt in January-November 2023. This slight increase indicates steady coal demand from China, despite its ongoing efforts to boost domestic coal production and reduce import dependency.

India, the second-largest importer, received 95.19 mnt, an increase of 4.1% from 91.46 mnt in the corresponding period of last year. India's growing coal imports underscore the country's continued reliance on Indonesian supplies to meet its rising power and industrial needs.

The Philippines saw a notable rise in imports, with shipments climbing by 18.8% to 32.43 mnt, up from 27.30 mnt in 2023. This increase reflects growing coal-based energy demand in the Philippines, fuelled by infrastructure development and industrial expansion.

In Malaysia, non-coking coal imports rose by 17.3% to 22.65 mnt, up from 19.30 mnt last year. This increase is attributed to Malaysia's growing energy requirements to support industrial development.

Lastly, shipments to Japan rose by 15.8%, reaching 20.57 mnt, up from 17.76 mnt last year. Japan continues to rely on coal imports due to its limited domestic energy resources and challenges in scaling up renewable energy production.

Port-wise performance

Exports from Taboneo, one of Indonesia's key coal-loading hubs, saw a 28.6% increase, with shipments rising to 60.93 mnt from 47.38 mnt in January-November 2023. This growth indicates improved port infrastructure and higher vessel activity to meet rising demand from importing countries.

In contrast, shipments from Samarinda witnessed a sharp decline of 37.7%, dropping to 49.62 mnt from 79.67 mnt last year. This drop could be due to logistical challenges, weather disruptions, or shifting coal trade routes within the region.