Indonesia's seaborne coal exports rose above 40 million tonnes for the first time since the start of 2026 in May, recovering sharply from the previous month and edging above year-ago levels, with shipments to China rebounding strongly.

The country exported 40.18 million tonnes of seaborne coal in May, up 0.42% from 40.01 million tonnes a year earlier and up 11.8% from 35.94 million tonnes in April, Kpler's vessel-tracking data showed.

Asia remained the dominant destination, absorbing 39.39 million tonnes, up 0.15% year on year and up 10.62% month on month, accounting for 98% of total Indonesian coal exports in May, down from 98.4% in April.

By destination, China was the top buyer at 16.71 million tonnes, rising 26.62% year on year and 43.24% month on month.

India took 6.06 million tonnes, down 37.9% year on year and 21.67% month on month. The Philippines imported 3.17 million tonnes, down 14.18% year on year and 5.44% month on month.

Vietnam received 2.54 million tonnes, up 0.83% year on year but down 32% month on month. Malaysia imported 2.46 million tonnes, up 11.17% year on year and 37.58% month on month.

For January-May 2026, Indonesia's cumulative seaborne coal exports stood at 188 million tonnes, down 3.27% year on year. Exports to China during the period totaled 70.9 million tonnes, down 0.74% year on year.