Energy · South Africa = benchmark exporter
Coal Price.
South Africa is one of the world's major thermal-coal exporters, and Richards Bay is a global pricing reference. Coal remains central to Southern African power and export earnings even as the energy transition reshapes demand.
-0.46%USD per metric tonFRED commodity benchmarks · 17 Jun 2026 African layer
Country-level prices
What the farmer is actually paid — farmgate, exchange and export prices the global benchmark never shows.
Landing soon
Country-level farmgate and exchange prices for coal — sourced from South Africa, Mozambique regulators — are being wired in. Each will carry its source, cadence and as-of date.
History
Benchmark price history
Production
Africa's role
Africa's share
South Africa = benchmark exporter
Top producers
South Africa · Mozambique
Seasonality
Mined year-round; South Africa's Richards Bay terminal is a global thermal-coal export benchmark, with demand swinging on Asian and European power needs.
MethodologyThe global benchmark is sourced from public EIA/FRED series. African country-level prices are seasonal regulator announcements and exchange reports, each stored with its source, cadence and as-of date. Prices are for informational purposes only and are not real-time.
Frequently Asked
Coal FAQ
Which African countries export coal?
South Africa is by far Africa's largest coal exporter — its Richards Bay Coal Terminal is a global benchmark — followed by Mozambique.
Why does coal still matter for South Africa?
Coal generates most of South Africa's electricity and remains a significant export earner, even as the country plans a long-term energy transition.
Are these coal prices real-time?
No — this is the benchmark layer, labelled with its source and cadence.