South Africa’s Richards Bay Coal Exports Rise 11% on Improved Rail Performance

Richards Bay Coal Terminal

By Jayden Bagshaw

Coal exports from South Africa’s Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT) increased by 11% in 2025 to 57.66 million metric tonnes—their highest level in four years—following improvements in freight rail performance, according to industry data.

Despite the recovery, export volumes remain well below the 76 million tonnes recorded in 2017, underscoring the ongoing logistical constraints facing the country’s coal supply chain.

Rail Constraints Still Limit Export Capacity

South Africa’s coal exports continue to be hampered by limited rail capacity operated by state-owned logistics group Transnet, which has faced persistent challenges including locomotive shortages, lack of spare parts, and widespread cable theft and vandalism.

These constraints have forced some mining companies to divert cargo to road transport or reroute exports through neighbouring Mozambique, increasing costs and reducing overall efficiency.

Signs of Improvement Since Late 2024

Major coal producers, including Thungela Resources and Exxaro Resources, have reported a gradual improvement in rail performance since the second half of 2024.

RBCT, which has an annual export handling capacity of 91 million tonnes, said 7,157 trains were offloaded at the terminal in 2025, up from 6,342 the previous year. The average number of trains handled per day rose to 20, compared with 17 in 2024.

Asia Remains Dominant Export Market

Asia continued to be the primary destination for South Africa’s coal, accounting for 79.8% of total shipments in 2025, although this represented a decline from 84.5% the year before.

India remained the single largest importer, receiving 25.75 million tonnes—equivalent to 45% of total exports—followed by Pakistan.

Growth in European and Middle Eastern Shipments

Coal exports to Europe edged higher to 7.2% of total volumes in 2025, from 6.8% in 2024, driven largely by increased shipments to the Netherlands.

Shipments to the Middle East nearly doubled to 3.54 million tonnes, with exports to Israel rising by 1 million tonnes to 1.78 million tonnes.

Outlook

While the rebound in exports signals progress in addressing rail inefficiencies, industry participants caution that sustained improvements will be required for South Africa to fully utilise RBCT’s export capacity and restore coal shipments to historical levels.