Thermal coal, also known as steam coal, is a type of coal that is primarily used to generate electricity. It is typically used in power plants to produce steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity. Thermal coal is characterized by its high calorific value and low ash content, which makes it ideal for power generation.
The thermal coal trade market is a large and complex market that involves the buying and selling of coal between countries. The market is driven by demand from countries that use coal to generate electricity, and supply from countries that produce coal. The thermal coal trade market is a major contributor to global energy supply and is expected to continue to play a significant role in the energy mix for many years to come.
Thermal Coal Export Statistics- 2022
In 2022, the United States exported 84.8 million short tonnes (MMst) of coal, essentially unchanged from the 85.1 MMst exported in 2021 according to Coal export data. In 2022, steam coal accounted for 45% of total US coal exports, while metallurgical coal accounted for 55%.
India, the Netherlands, Japan, Brazil, and South Korea got the highest coal shipments from the United States in 2022. For the sixth year in a row, India purchased the most US coal, at 15.5 MMst. 55%, or 8.4 MMst, of that total, as metallurgical coal.
In 2022, the Netherlands acquired the second-most US coal, 11.8 MMst, with 54%, or 6.4 MMst, being steam coal. The Netherlands is predominantly a transshipment hub for coal shipped around Europe, with only 10% of imported coal remaining in the country. Also, if you need the most recent and updated thermal coal import export data, you can visit EximPedia.app to explore the updated market trends.
Top Thermal Coal Exporter Countries
Thermal coal is primarily used for electricity generation, and it is one of the world's most widely traded commodities. The top thermal coal exporters in the world are:
- Indonesia: Indonesia is the world's biggest exporter of thermal coal. In 2021, it exported 365 million metric tons of coal. Most of Indonesia's thermal coal is exported to China, India, Japan, and South Korea.
- Australia: Australia is the world's second-largest exporter of thermal coal. In 2021, it exported 210 million metric tons of coal. Australia's biggest markets for thermal coal exports are Japan, China, and South Korea.
- Russia: Russia is the world's third-largest exporter of thermal coal. In 2021, it exported 127 million metric tons of coal. Russia's biggest markets for thermal coal exports are China, South Korea, and Japan.
- United States: The United States is the world's fourth-largest exporter of thermal coal. In 2021, it exported 38 million metric tons of coal. The majority of U.S. thermal coal exports go to countries in Asia, including Japan, South Korea, and India.
- South Africa: South Africa is the world's fifth-largest exporter of thermal coal. In 2021, it exported 29 million metric tons of coal. South Africa's biggest markets for thermal coal exports are India, Pakistan, and Japan.
When Will India Export Thermal Coal?
India has the potential to become a significant exporter of thermal coal, given its large coal reserves. Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi stated last Wednesday that India will begin exporting thermal coal by 2025-26 and will stop importing certain grades due to an expected increase in domestic output.
The country's coal production is forecast to reach 1.1 billion metric tonnes by FY26, with captive and commercial coal mines accounting for 200 million tonnes, according to coal secretary Amrit Lal Meena, speaking on the sidelines of the seventh commercial coal block auctions.
In response to a question on imports, he stated that India imports 90 MT of substitutable coal each year, which will end in 2025-26 when the country begins exporting dry fuel. Except for coking coal, we will halt thermal coal imports, he says. The facilities, which are built to run on imported coal, may continue to import, but if the technology is changed, domestic supply can be made available to them as well, according to Joshi. Get Export data for Coal.
The minister went on to say: "In FY23, we produced over 900 MT of coal, and we currently have a coal stock of 116-117 MT. I guarantee the country an uninterrupted supply of coal during the summer and rainy seasons." Both private and public enterprises have been urged to keep producing coal in April and May.
Conclusion
Thermal coal is an essential fuel for electricity generation, and the thermal coal trade market plays a crucial role in meeting the global energy demand. While countries like Australia, Indonesia, and Russia dominate the global thermal coal trade, other countries like India also play a significant role in the market. India has the potential to become a significant exporter of thermal coal in the future, but for now, the country is focused on meeting its domestic demand for coal. If you need import export data for coal, EximPedia.app is the best platform to analyze the most updated market trends. EximPedias is an Import Export Data Supplier that provides credible, up-to-date, and real worldwide trade data from over 100+ countries. We offer India Trade Data, India Export Data, India export import data, and much more. Connect us with a free live demo today!
