How much coal does Australia produce and export?
Australia is the 5th largest producer of coal: 431 million tonnes in 2025, 4.8% of the world's 9,053 million tonnes (Energy Institute). It is the largest exporter by value: $61.7 billion in 2024, 34% of world exports of coal (HS 2701) (CEPII BACI). Its biggest customer is Japan, which takes 28% of its coal exports by value.
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Australia's coal production
| World rank | Production (million tonnes) | Share of world | Ten-year growth | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 431 million tonnes | 4.8% | -1.5% a year | 2025 |
Energy Institute Statistical Review of World Energy, Statistical Review 2026.
Share of world output over time
| 1990 | 2000 | 2010 | 2020 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.5% | 6.7% | 5.8% | 6.4% | 4.8% |
Australia's coal exports
| World rank | Export value | Share of world exports | Quantity (tonnes) | Average value per tonne | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $61.7 billion | 34% | 387.2 million t | $159 | 2024 |
CEPII BACI international trade database (HS22, V202601), HS 2701 (Coal; briquettes and similar solid fuels made from coal).
Where Australia's coal goes
| Destination | Value | Share of Australia's exports |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $17.4B | 28% |
| India | $10.8B | 18% |
| China | $8.7B | 14% |
| South Korea | $5.4B | 8.7% |
| Other Asia, nes | $5.2B | 8.4% |
The coal price Australia sells into
The benchmark price, Australian thermal, Newcastle, was $147.1/t in September 2026, up 38% over twelve months. Its five-year volatility is 42% a year, calmer in 93% of its earlier five-year windows. A single country's export price can differ from the benchmark: see trade price against benchmark. Monthly averages lag the market and are not investment advice. Coal price history.
Cite as: Commodity Origins, "Australia coal: production, exports and prices", https://commodityorigins.com/countries/AUS/coal/ (CC BY 4.0). Rankings count only countries reporting to the sources named; this page is shown only for top-five producers or exporters with at least 3% of the world total. Report an issue with this page.