Global coal prices today

The price of Coal today, updated on 08/09/2026, is trading at 147.75 USD/mt, equivalent to approximately 3,852,685 VND/ton. Despite a downward adjustment of 0.90 USD (about 23,468 VND) compared to the most recent peak trading session, the market trend is considered stable with a recorded increase of 0.61% compared to the previous cycle. Currently, coal prices are maintaining a high range within a 30-day window, directly impacting input costs for energy industries in Vietnam.

According to market analysis data, the current monthly average price has reached 147.44 USD/mt (about 3,844,601 VND/ton), a significant increase from last month's average of 131.52 USD/mt. Over the past 30 days, the price of this commodity has fluctuated between 129.00 USD and 148.65 USD/mt. The fact that coal prices have consistently remained near the 148 USD threshold in early September indicates that demand for consumption and fuel reserves for production remains at a very high level.

Specific coal price movements in recent trading sessions are as follows:

• September 08, 2026: 147.75 USD/mt (3,852,685 VND/ton).
• September 06, 2026: 148.65 USD/mt (3,876,153 VND/ton).
• September 03, 2026: 146.60 USD/mt (3,822,698 VND/ton).
• September 01, 2026: 144.85 USD/mt (3,777,065 VND/ton).

On the international market, Coal is traded in units of mt and quoted in USD.

Coal belongs to the Energy commodity group. This is one of the most commonly traded commodity groups on global commodity exchanges.

Key factors affecting coal prices on the international market, priced in USD/mt, include the complex interaction between supply and demand, energy and environmental policies, extreme weather conditions, as well as global geopolitical fluctuations.

Regarding supply and demand, coal prices are strongly influenced by:

• Electricity demand: Especially in major consuming markets like China, India, and Southeast Asia. Peak seasons for air conditioning (summer) or heating (winter) can drive prices up.
• Industrial production: Demand from heavy industries such as steel (coking coal), cement, and chemicals.
• Mining output: Production capacity of major exporting countries (Indonesia, Australia, Russia, USA). Factors such as strikes, accidents, and investment restrictions can reduce supply.
• Mining and transportation costs: Input energy prices (diesel), labor costs, and especially global freight rates directly affect product costs.
• Inventories: Stock levels at export and import ports, as well as power and steel plants.

In addition, coal prices are also governed by other factors:

• Energy and environmental policies: Commitments to reduce carbon emissions, investment in renewable energy, or carbon taxes can reduce coal demand in the long term. Conversely, short-term energy security policies may force countries to maintain or increase coal usage.
• Weather conditions: Heavy rain in mining areas can disrupt production and transportation. Extreme weather (storms, floods) affects infrastructure.
• Geopolitical fluctuations: Regional conflicts, trade sanctions (e.g., sanctions on Russian coal), or changes in international relations can shift trade flows, causing local shortages or surpluses, thereby affecting prices.
• Prices of alternative fuels: Prices of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) or oil. If LNG prices drop significantly, some power plants may switch to gas instead of coal, reducing coal demand.
• USD exchange rate: Since coal is traded in USD, the strengthening or weakening of the greenback can affect the purchasing power of importing countries.

Global coal prices have experienced a period of intense volatility in recent years, peaking in 2022 due to the energy crisis. Currently, prices have corrected to lower levels, reflecting improved supply and easing inflationary pressures in several major economies. However, the market remains influenced by complex macro and geopolitical factors.

In terms of fundamental analysis, demand from Asian economies, particularly China and India, remains the primary driver for thermal coal, serving power generation and industry (steel, cement). A slower-than-expected global economic recovery could restrain demand growth. On the supply side, major producers like Indonesia and Australia are striving to maintain output. However, risks of extreme weather (e.g., heavy rain affecting mining and transport) or export policies could cause supply disruptions. Inventory levels at major import ports are also a key indicator to monitor.

In the coming period, coal prices are expected to remain within a relatively stable range, influenced by the balance between continuous energy demand and pressure from emission reduction policies. Price-supporting factors could come from high electricity demand during peak seasons (summer, winter), a rebound in natural gas prices, or adverse weather events affecting production/transport. Conversely, slowing global economic growth, intensified green energy policies, or abundant supply from major producers could exert downward pressure on prices. The likelihood of a massive price surge like in 2022 is low, but short-term supply-demand shocks could still create significant volatility. Investors need to closely monitor inventory data, energy policies in China/India, and weather conditions.