Capesize coal loadings hit 5-year low in 1H’25

In 1H’25, Capesize coal loadings remained notably weak, falling -27% YoY to just 143Mt, driven by both supply- and demand-side pressures.

Line chart showing weekly Capesize coal loadings from January 2023 to July 2025, with 2025 volumes falling near a five-year low. The chart uses IFCHOR GALBRAITHS brand colours and highlights a 27% year-on-year drop and 4.1Mt value as of 6 July 2025.

On the demand side, China cut its coal imports by -7.9% YoY in Jan–May’25, amid strong domestic output, high inventories, and growing renewable power generation.

On the supply side, exports from key producers declined sharply, with Indonesia down -16% YoY to 300Mt and Australia down -14% YoY to 170.9Mt. Last week, weekly Capesize volumes dropped to 4.1Mt, hovering near their five-year low.

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