Indonesian Coal Export Sink 19.70% with India, China as Top Buyers
Jakarta. Indonesia’s coal exports had plummeted 19.70% in 2025, with India and China remaining as the top buyers.
Indonesia registered $24.48 billion in coal exports throughout last year, marking a huge drop compared to the $30.49 billion recorded in 2024, according to the Central Statistics Agency (BPS). Export volume sunk 3.66% from 405.76 million tons in 2024 to 390.93 million tons the following year.
“Our leading commodities — iron and stainless steel, coal, and palm oil — indeed made up 28.49% of Indonesia’s non-oil and gas exports in 2025. However, our coal exports have weakened 19.70% [versus 2024],” BPS deputy Ateng Hartono told a press briefing in Jakarta on Monday.
BPS put India as the largest export destination despite buying less. In January-December 2025, India imported $4.98 billion worth of Indonesian coal, weighing at around 100.23 million tons in volume. China-bound coal came in second at $4.57 billion and almost 81.73 million tons. Export value to these mainstay markets had sunk amid weakening global prices. The value of the coal shipments to India fell 20.26% compared to 2024. The same goes for China, which went down 30.24%.
Coal prices in international markets amounted to $107.67 per metric ton in December 2025, down 17.06% year-on-year. The numbers once stood at $379.23 per metric ton in end-2022. The government is now putting a cap on production to lift global prices, but this plan has engendered profound disappointment among producers. The Indonesian Coal Mining Association (ICMA) fears the reduction that ranges between 40 and 70% have a baleful impact on operations.
“The significant reduction will hamper companies from covering the fixed operational costs, environmental and financial liabilities, as well as security, among others. This can even lead to massive layoffs,” ICMA Executive Director Gita Mahyarani said.
The government has earlier unveiled plans to slash the annual coal production from an estimated 780 million tons to 600 million tons this year.
Tags: Keywords:
as a preferred
Related Articles
How China's Pinglu Canal Could Reshape Trade With Indonesia
The canal is expected to shorten that inland shipping route by more than 560 kilometers, reducing transit times and transportation costs.
Indonesia’s Palm Oil Export to China Rises by Double Digits
Indonesia's monthly palm oil shipments to China rose by 67% in June, Gapki reported.
Indonesia Expects More Chinese Investments in Wang Yi’s Visit
China has been a major source of foreign direct investment to Indonesia.
Indonesia Denies US Accusation of Chinese Transshipment Scam
Senior minister Airlangga Hartarto says "Indonesia has never done transshipment", when asked about the US report.
US Accuses Indonesia of Helping China Dodge Trump Tariffs
The US accuses Indonesia and dozens of other countries of being part of "China's shadow transshipment network".
China Vows Mutual Benefit with Indonesia
In an Independence Day congratulatory message, China says that it wants to "deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in all fields".
India Keeps Eye on Indonesia’s Tight State Control over Palm Oil Exports
President Prabowo Subianto’s decision to have a single state-run agency oversee the entire palm oil export has kept everyone on their toes.
Over 600 Indonesian Fish Facilities Can Export to China
In 2025, the China-bound fishery export volume totaled 491,528 tons and valued at $1.04 billion.
Palm Oil and Coal Sectors Fear Fallout From Indonesia’s New Export Regime
Despite the approaching trial period of , key details of the one-gate export policy also remain unresolved.
Indonesia's Exporters Can Hold Proceeds Onshore in Chinese Yuan
In about a week from now, most exporters of natural resources must park their earnings onshore for at least a year.The Latest
Ye Concert, Other Events to Draw 130,000 to GBK, Here’s What to Know
Around 130,000 visitors are expected at Jakarta’s GBK on Saturday as Ye’s concert and several major events take place.
Indonesia Allocates Rp 722 Billion for Year-End Flight Ticket Tax Relief
Indonesia allocates Rp 722 billion to cover domestic flight ticket VAT during the 2026/2027 Christmas and New Year holidays.
Greece Floats Shipbuilding Partnership with Indonesia
Greece says that it possesses “extensive expertise” as it woos Indonesia in shipbuilding partnership.
Indonesian Stocks Rally 4.9%, but Foreign Investors Keep Selling
Indonesia’s JCI rose 4.9% last week, but foreign selling and MSCI downgrade risks continue to cloud the market outlook.
Ye Concert in Jakarta to Deploy 2,000 Security Personnel
More than 2,000 personnel will secure Ye’s Jakarta concert on Saturday, as organizers urge fans to use public transport.Most Popular
