Corporate Intelligence of the SMARTIN Group

Indonesia’s coal shipments continue to track higher, supported by steady Chinese and Indian demand and smoother Kalimantan loading schedules. Global coal exports rose to 17.89 mnt, with Indonesia contributing 6.27 mnt (+4.8% w‑o‑w). Freight sentiment stays neutral‑firm across Panamax and Supramax corridors. 

Nickel smelters in Sulawesi maintain stable output, shipping NPI, ferronickel, matte, and MHP into China, Korea, Japan, and ASEAN. Smelter-linked ports report smooth berthing and predictable discharge windows. 

Nickel smelters in Sulawesi and Halmahera are operating under tighter ore quotas in 2026, with feedstock allocations closely managed by ESDM. RKEF lines in Sulawesi are running below full capacity, while HPAL projects in Halmahera maintain steady output of MHP and matte. Additional quota approvals have eased shortages, but overall supply remains constrained.

Current Advisory:   Reduced utilization under 2026 quotas • Feedstock tight • Halmahera exports steady

Sulphur arrivals into IMIP, IWIP, Pomalaa, Bahodopi, and Bantaeng remain steady, reflecting ongoing HPAL operations. Surabaya continues to receive fertilizer and rock phosphate parcels with smooth terminal rotation and strong inland distribution. 

Priok and Perak maintain balanced throughput. Kalimantan coal terminals operate with improved loading performance. Sulawesi smelter ports remain stable, and Makassar continues to support inter-island distribution without delay. 

Panamax employment stays firm on Indo–India coal. Supramax demand remains stable on coal + smelter inputs. Handysize rotations remain steady on fertilizer and domestic cargo. Global freight benchmarks (BDI) reflect a balanced, supportive environment. 

The Baltic Dry Index held a neutral‑firm tone, supported by steady coal loadings in Kalimantan and stable smelter‑input discharge across Sulawesi. Panamax and Supramax segments tracked firm‑neutral employment, while Handysize demand remained steady.

BDI Snapshot:   Panamax steady • Supramax firm‑neutral • Handysize stable

Indonesia enters Tuesday of Week 31 with stable export flow, firm coal demand, steady smelter input imports, and smooth port operations. Market sentiment remains constructive across dry bulk shipping, reinforcing SMARTIN’s position as a leading regional intelligence source.