Asia
During Q4 2025, coking coal prices in Asia displayed mixed movements rather than a single directional trend, shaped by alternating supply and demand influences. In the early part of the quarter, prices moved upward as tighter safety supervision and environmental checks constrained mine output, keeping spot availability limited and inventories low. Demand from coke producers and steelmakers remained supportive during this phase, encouraged by stable molten iron production and firm coke market conditions. However, this strength was not sustained consistently. As the quarter progressed, import inflows increased, and domestic mine operations gradually resumed, easing supply tightness. At the same time, downstream buyers became more cautious, shifting toward need-based procurement and reducing market activity. This led to intermittent price softening. By the latter part of the quarter, supply conditions appeared more balanced, while demand weakened, resulting in a period of stabilization to slight decline. Overall, the Asian market reflected alternating phases of firmness and easing, leading to a mixed price trend across the quarter.
Europe
Coking coal prices in Europe broadly resembled the trend observed in the Chinese market during Q4 2025. Early in the quarter, prices firmed alongside global supply tightness and supportive sentiment from Asian markets. Steel producers maintained stable operations, lending initial support to demand. As supply availability improved later in the quarter and global market pressure eased, European buyers slowed procurement. Demand from the steel sector softened, leading to weaker trading activity and price pullbacks toward the end of the quarter. The overall pattern mirrored Asia’s transition from firmness to easing, rather than showing a distinct regional trajectory.
North America
North American coking coal prices also followed a pattern similar to the Chinese market during Q4 2025. Prices found early support from steady steel production and export demand, while mine output remained controlled. This phase aligned with global supply tightness seen earlier in the quarter. As international supply conditions improved and export demand weakened, price momentum softened. Steelmakers reduced raw material purchases, and market activity slowed. By the end of the quarter, prices eased from earlier levels, reflecting the same broad rise-and-correction pattern observed in Asia.