In a significant shift in global coal trade dynamics, South African mining companies have become Israel’s primary source of thermal coal following Colombia’s enforcement of an export ban in 2025. This change underscores how geopolitical decisions can rapidly redirect commodity flows, creating new opportunities amid international tensions.
Colombia’s Coal Export Ban and Enforcement Challenges
Colombia’s ban on coal exports to Israel originated from President Gustavo Petro’s outspoken criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza. Initially announced in June 2024 and formalized via Decree 1047 in August 2024, the policy aimed to pressure Israel by halting shipments tied to what Petro described as contributions to the conflict.
Despite the decree, enforcement faced hurdles, with some shipments continuing under pre-existing contracts. In July 2025, Petro escalated measures, ordering the Colombian Navy to intercept any vessels carrying coal to Israel and threatening contract terminations for non-compliant companies, including majors like Glencore and Drummond.
By late 2025, these efforts proved effective: Colombian exports to Israel dropped to zero in the three months ending November. Previously, Colombia supplied nearly half of Israel’s thermal coal imports, often around 41-60% in recent years, making the ban a notable disruption.
South Africa’s Rapid Rise in Israel’s Coal Market
As Colombian supplies ceased, South African exporters quickly filled the gap. Data from commodity trackers including Kpler, LSEG, and DBX Commodities show South African coal shipments to Israel surged 87% year-on-year in the three months to November 2025, totaling 474,000 metric tonnes.
Projections for 2025 indicate South Africa’s share of Israel’s seaborne coal imports will rise to approximately 55%—more than triple the 2024 level and the highest volumes since 2017. Over a dozen South African-based exporters, some linked to global firms like Glencore, have supplied electricity-grade thermal coal.
While residual Colombian shipments earlier in 2025 accounted for about 42% of Israel’s roughly 2 million tonnes of annual imports, all cargoes since September originated from South Africa. Russian supplies, previously notable, fell sharply to minimal levels.
This surge highlights the adaptability of private sector trade, with South Africa’s Richards Bay Coal Terminal providing efficient access and competitive pricing amid robust demand.
The Irony of Geopolitics and Commerce
The situation presents a stark irony: South Africa, which brought a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (a charge Israel rejects), has seen its coal exports to the country increase substantially.
Critics, such as Patrick Bond from the University of Johannesburg’s Centre for Social Change, describe this as “profound hypocrisy,” where diplomatic condemnation contrasts with commercial gains. Protests in cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg have demanded an end to exports, yet economic imperatives have dominated.
South Africa’s government has emphasized adherence to international trade rules, noting that unilateral sanctions could breach WTO obligations—a point raised in discussions around similar measures elsewhere.
Effects on Israel’s Energy Landscape
Coal accounts for a declining but still relevant portion of Israel’s electricity generation, recently around 20-22%. The nation has pursued an ambitious phase-out, with plans to end routine coal use by 2026 or early 2027, transitioning to natural gas from domestic fields like Tamar and Leviathan, alongside expanding renewables.
The shift to South African coal may incur higher transportation costs due to greater distances, but Israeli officials maintain that diverse sources ensure supply stability without major disruptions.
Long-term, Israel’s growing reliance on gas and renewables reduces exposure to import vulnerabilities, aligning with broader goals for energy independence and sustainability.
Wider Ramifications for Global Coal Flows
This rerouting demonstrates how policy actions in one nation can reshape international markets. Colombia’s ban affected only a fraction of its total coal exports, which were redirected to other buyers amid softening global prices.
For South Africa, a leading coal producer grappling with its own energy issues, the Israeli market offers a valuable revenue stream. The episode reveals the frequent disconnect between state-level foreign policy and private enterprise in resource-rich economies.
As global energy transitions accelerate, coal’s role diminishes overall. Yet incidents like this illustrate its continued importance in filling immediate needs during periods of geopolitical strain and supply shifts.
Future Outlook: Transient or Transformative?
With Israel’s coal imports expected to decline sharply in the near future due to the ongoing phase-out, South Africa’s current dominance may be temporary. Nonetheless, the rapid market adaptation showcases the resilience of global supply chains.
This development not only mirrors persistent international frictions but also highlights evolving challenges in balancing energy security, economic interests, and shifting toward cleaner sources in an interconnected world.
The interplay of politics and trade in commodities like coal continues to evolve, offering lessons for future disruptions in energy markets.