Coal exports from Queensland, Australia, boomed in November 2023, rising 5.8% year-on-year to 17.3 million metric tons. The four major coal export terminals – Hay Point, Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal, Abbot Point, and Gladstone – all contributed to the increase.
Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal led the charge, with exports surging 17.6% year-on-year. This strong performance was driven by continued demand from Japan, which remains the largest recipient of Queensland coal, taking 43.1% of the total exports in November. Other key markets for Queensland coal include South Korea, India, and Taiwan.
The increase in coal exports is a positive sign for the Queensland coal industry, which has been facing challenges in recent years due to declining global coal demand and environmental concerns. The November figures suggest that Queensland coal remains competitive in the international market, and that demand is starting to pick up again.
It is important to note that the long-term outlook for the coal industry remains uncertain. The transition to cleaner energy sources is likely to continue to put pressure on coal demand in the coming years. However, the November export figures suggest that Queensland coal is still well-positioned to compete in the global market for the foreseeable future.
