At AsiaCoke 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia late last month, Banmeet Khurmi of the Lead, Metallurgical Coal & Coke Market Service presented CRU's perspective on the forces shaping the global steel complex and key market shifts for steel. From growth and decline to transition and continuity, Banmeet covered what steel mills, coal miners and the wider value chain may expect in the period ahead.
Key takeaways:
- Across the steel value chain, attention is increasingly shifting to the immediate disruptions created by the conflict in the Middle East.
- Coal demand appears set for another resurgence, supported by the need to manage rising energy costs and strengthen energy sovereignty.
- There was clear consensus around the emerging hard coking coal supply gap, as Asia continues to expand blast furnace capacity while Australia – the dominant supplier – faces mounting challenges.
- Indonesia’s rise as a metallurgical coke production and trading hub reflects Asia’s growing influence, with India and Southeast Asia expected to double their regional import share.
Presenting these findings at AsiaCoke 2026 reinforced CRU’s role as a trusted source of independent expert intelligence for the global steel and coal sectors.
If you would like to discuss the outlook for the metallurgical coal market or key market shifts for steel to inform your strategy, please get in touch.
