- South African mining companies sharply increased thermal coal exports to Israel after Colombia imposed a ban, with shipments rising 87% year-on-year to 474,000 tonnes between August and November 2025.
- Colombia, which previously supplied 41% of Israel’s coal imports, halted exports over Gaza-related concerns, creating a supply gap now largely filled by South Africa.
- The trade expansion contrasts with South Africa’s strong diplomatic stance against Israel at the ICJ, highlighting a gap between foreign policy positions and commercial activity.
- With Russia’s coal exports declining, South Africa is expected to supply about 55% of Israel’s coal imports in 2025, even as Israel plans to phase out coal by 2027.
