Global seaborne coal flows reached 119 million tons in May 2026, representing a 5% increase compared to the same period last year. This marks the first instance of consecutive year-on-year growth observed in 2026, with an accelerating growth rate from April's revised 4% figure. While China's seaborne coal imports decreased by 6% year-on-year, they did experience a month-on-month rise to 30 million tons.
The primary driver for this global increase is robust demand from South Asian countries. This sustained demand from the region is effectively offsetting the reduced imports from China, contributing to the overall expansion of the seaborne coal market.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, this trend suggests continued demand for dry bulk vessel capacity, particularly on routes serving South Asia. While Chinese demand remains significant, the shift in growth drivers towards South Asia could influence vessel deployment and pricing strategies for coal shipments. Forwarders should monitor regional demand fluctuations to optimize routing and capacity planning, potentially seeing stable or slightly increased rates for relevant trade lanes.