Back to News

Australia's Gladstone coal exports rise in December | Latest Market News - Argus Media


Australian Coal Exports: Gladstone's December Surge Explained Gladstone Coal Exports Rise Significantly in December Market Overview

Australian coal producers have demonstrated remarkable resilience, with Gladstone port recording a 15% year-on-year increase in coal exports during December.

Export Breakdown Total Exports: 6.6 million tonnes Chinese Imports: 1.2 million tonnes (+11% YoY) Key Markets: China and Japan Price Projections

Coking coal prices are expected to stabilize around $140/t on a fob Australia basis by the end of 2026, indicating a potentially balanced market.

"The Gladstone port's performance reflects the ongoing importance of coal in global industrial production." - Bench Energy Analysts Market Implications

Despite global decarbonization trends, metallurgical coal continues to play a crucial role in steel production, particularly in Asian markets.


Source: Argus Media

Managing freight tenders over email?

FreightTender is Bench Energy's closed-bid freight platform — used in Dubai and globally for tendering with a full audit trail (no broker cross-visibility).

18% average rate reduction$1.2B+ freight managed15+ trading companies

Build your trading vocabulary

Coal Trader's Lexicon

200+ Anki flashcards covering coal market terminology — thermal vs coking, FOB benchmarks, laytime, port congestion, freight indices, and contract structures.

Read also from our blog

Deeper guides and frameworks — same analysts, longer shelf life than the daily wire.

Freight Procurement Guide (6 chapters) →