South Africa and Mozambique’s shipments of coal to Asia, particularly the markets they serve, had been robust in the first half of 2026, highlighting the significance of the transport and logistics system in facilitating bulk commodity shipping. The two countries exported 45.35 million tonnes of coal, which is 11.3% more than exported in the same period in 2025 (40.74 million tonnes), according to vessel-tracking data analysed by URSA Shipbrokers, using data from AXS Marine.
This was mostly the result of a surge in coal exports from South Africa, with the country exporting 35.66 million tonnes in the first half of the year. This is a 13.1% increase from the 31.53 million tonnes exported in the same period last year. The improved result reflects progress in the country’s coal export supply chain, playing a significant part in moving this tonnage from mining areas to international markets, including rail transport, port activity and shipping.
The volume of exports was also higher in Mozambique during the period. Coal exports rose by 5.3% to 9.70 million tonnes from January to June, compared to 9.21 million tonnes in the first half of 2025. The export corridors in Mozambique continue to be vital for coal exports from the country’s Tete mining area to its ports, thus strengthening the country’s position in the international and regional bulk commodity market.
The better export result is expected as Indonesia, as the world’s biggest exporter of seaborne coal, saw a drop in shipment volumes over the same period. As a result of the decrease in Indonesian exports, other suppliers got a chance to grow their presence in international markets. This was a positive development for South Africa and Mozambique, as their export volume increased, while their supply to the larger importing markets was assured.
India continued to be the top market for the coal exports of the two Southern African countries. In the first half of 2026, India imported 20.58 million tonnes, which makes up 45.2% of all combined imports. The country continues to consume the most electricity generation, manufacturing and steel production, making it the most important market for coal producers in the region. China bought 2.9 million tonnes while Pakistan imported 4.3 million tonnes during the same period.
Coal exports were moved by a variety of dry bulk vessels on a wide variety of shipping routes. AXS Marine vessel-tracking data indicates the majority of shipments were carried in bulk carriers classified as Supramax, Ultramax, Kamsarmax and Capesize. These vessels can be versatile and accommodate various types of cargo, making them suitable for a range of applications in the bulk shipping market.
Exports have increased this year but are still less than the record combined exports of 92.87 million tonnes in 2018. Since then, exports have suffered from infrastructure issues, operating constraints and global market fluctuations. But the latest data shows the recovery is ongoing, thanks to buoyant international demand and improved logistics.
The recent surge in exports highlights the critical role of efficient rail infrastructure, modern port facilities and trustworthy maritime services in facilitating global commerce for the transport and logistics industry. The need to invest in logistics infrastructure will be essential to maintaining export volumes and improving Southern Africa’s competitiveness in the international dry bulk shipping market, as demand for such commodities continues to be robust.
