International News 21 August 2026
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China's Coal Imports Surge Following Domestic Mine Closures
In July 2026, China experienced a notable increase in coal imports across all of its primary international suppliers. This sudden reliance on foreign coal was largely driven by a significant drop in domestic production, which occurred in the wake of a major mining accident in May 2026. The subsequent mine closures across the country severely restricted local supply, which in turn provided a renewed upward push for domestic coal prices. As a leading supplier, Indonesia capitalized on this shortage, shipping 20% more coal to China in July alone. However, despite this strong monthly surge, Indonesia's total year-to-date coal exports to China have only seen a modest 2% increase. Earlier in the year, the competitiveness of Indonesia's lower-calorie coal had been hampered by China's initially strong domestic output and cheaper local prices, before the late-May disruptions shifted market dynamics.
North Korea Fires Suspected Ballistic Missile Toward the Sea
North Korea fired what is suspected to be a ballistic missile toward the sea on Thursday (August 20, 2026), according to the Japanese government and coast guard, as cited by Reuters. South Korean media also quoted its military as saying that Pyongyang launched an unidentified projectile into the waters east of the Korean Peninsula. The Japanese coast guard confirmed that the projectile, widely believed to be a ballistic missile, had already fallen into the sea. The launch adds to ongoing tensions in the region as authorities continue to monitor the situation.
https://internasional.kontan.co.id/news/korea-utara-diduga-tembakan-rudal-balistik
Trump Warns of Economic Fallout as Hormuz Blockade Stalls Peace Efforts
U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that any nation providing essential support to Iran will face severe economic repercussions. The ongoing war between the U.S., Israel, and Iran has already resulted in thousands of casualties and rapidly drawn in neighboring Gulf states. The conflict has also sent shockwaves through global markets, driven by Iran's proven ability to choke off the Strait of Hormuz—a vital maritime route that processed roughly 20% of the world's traded oil prior to February. To ease these disruptions and move toward a resolution, Washington and Tehran announced ceasefire agreements in April and June of 2026. These deals were primarily aimed at reopening the critical shipping lane to international trade as a first step toward ending the war. However, both diplomatic attempts quickly collapsed, failing to secure lasting peace even as Israel has largely stepped back from active combat.