Coal Import 2024: Market Momentum

Global Coal Import Market Landscape

In global trade, Coal is tracked under HS Code 2701, covering bituminous and anthracite varieties primarily used for power generation and industrial fuel. As a critical energy commodity, its trade is driven by industrial demand and geopolitical supply dynamics.

Strategic Insights

• Market Momentum: Global coal imports grew steadily in 2024, with a 1.8% increase in thermal coal trade. Monthly volatility peaked in March ($11.54B), but year-end stability ($9.92B in December) confirmed resilient demand.
• Geographic Power: Russia and Indonesia dominate supply (82.24% of export weight), feeding high-growth Asian markets like India (38.16% value share) and China (13.19%). Turkey imports large volumes of low-value coal for cost-sensitive industrial use.
• Supply Chain Structure: The market is highly consolidated—top suppliers (25.29% of firms) control 71.73% of export value. Buyers are similarly concentrated, with dominators like CARBON ONE DMCC commanding 89.96% of import value. New entrants must negotiate with giants or target niche partnerships.

Global Coal Import Trend in 2024 Whole Year

Global coal imports showed resilience in 2024, supported by a 1.8% increase in thermal coal trade as mature economies maintained demand [IEA].

• Aggregate Performance: Total import value demonstrated steady growth despite monthly volatility, reflecting sustained global demand throughout the year.
• Period Dynamics: Imports opened at $9.70B in January and closed at $9.92B in December, after peaking at $11.54B in March, indicating overall market stability.

Table: Coal Import Trend in 2024 Whole Year

Get Coal Data Latest Updates

Coal Global Market Structure: Supply vs. Demand

Top Origin Countries & Production Hubs

• Russia dominates as the largest exporter by weight (45.83% share) and frequency (20.58%), with Indonesia as the primary challenger (36.41% weight share).
• Supply is duopolistic: Russia and Indonesia collectively control 82.24% of export weight volume.
• Australia and Colombia are secondary players, with Australia commanding premium value (13.65% share vs. 2.17% quantity). Colombia’s data anomaly (54.55% quantity ratio) requires verification.

Top Destination Countries & Consumption Markets

• India (38.16% value share) and China (13.19%) drive demand, with Vietnam (8.56%) emerging as a key buyer.
• Demand reflects industrial consumption: All top importers are fast-growing Asian economies, except Brazil (15.97% quantity share).
• Turkey imports massive volumes (20.06% quantity share) but low-value coal, indicating cost-sensitive industrial use.

Supply-Demand Dynamics

• Concentrated supply (Russia/Indonesia) feeds fragmented high-growth demand across Asia.
• Geographic flow: Primarily from Eurasian producers (Russia, Indonesia, Australia) to Asian industrial hubs (India, China, Vietnam).
• Pricing power favors exporters: Duopoly control over bulk volumes enables leverage over price-sensitive importers like Turkey and Philippines.

Table: Global Coal Import —— Top Destination Countries

Check Coal Import Detailed Country Profile

Table: Global Coal Import —— Top origin Countries

Check Coal Import Detailed Country Profile

Global Coal Import Analysis: Key Suppliers & Buyers

Suppliers Concentration & Strategy

• Power Center: Highly consolidated. Dominators (25.29% of companies) control 71.73% of export value.
• Operational Style: Majority ship frequently (Low-Value High-Frequency: 58.63% of shipments) but Dominators drive volume (66.10% quantity share).
• Risk/Opportunity: Buyers face heavy reliance on few giants (Glencore, Atrium). Small suppliers offer flexibility but minimal volume (Low-Value clusters: <3% combined quantity share).

Oversea Buyers Procurement Patterns

• Procurement Behavior: Dominant buyers (58.01% of companies) prefer high-frequency, large-volume contracts (97.29% quantity share). Bulk seasonal buying is rare (High-Value Low-Frequency: 0.19% quantity share).
• Market Tier: Concentrated. Dominators (CARBON ONE DMCC, SCAW) command 89.96% of import value. SMEs are marginal (Low-Value clusters: <1.5% combined value share).

Market Entry & Negotiation Strategy

• New Suppliers: Target Dominator buyers (e.g., CARBON ONE) for large contracts. Compete on reliability, not price. Avoid Low-Frequency buyers—volumes are trivial.
• New Buyers: Secure long-term deals with Dominator suppliers. Spot markets are high-risk (Low-Value suppliers: <1% value share). Expect tough negotiations with giants.
• Critical Note: Market is dual-track: Dominators control bulk trade; fragmented small players serve niche/local needs. Enter via partnerships or M&A.

Table: Global Coal Import —— Top Buyers

Access Coal Trade Company Profile

Table: Global Coal Import —— Top Suppliers

Access Coal Trade Company Profile

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HS Code for Coal?

The HS Code for Coal is 2701, covering all types of coal (e.g., bituminous, anthracite), whether pulverized or not, but excluding agglomerated forms like briquettes.

Which country is the largest exporter of Coal in 2024 Whole Year?

Indonesia dominated global coal exports in 2024, with shipments valued at $47.32B, making it the top origin by export value.

Who are the top importers of Coal in 2024 Whole Year?

The leading importers were India ($44.96B), China Mainland ($15.54B), and Vietnam ($10.08B). These nations are major industrial hubs relying heavily on coal for energy and steel production.

Who are the major suppliers and companies trading Coal in 2024 Whole Year?

Key buyers included Steel Authority of India Ltd, JSW Steel Limited, and Tata Steel Limited. Top suppliers featured T S Global Procurement Company Pte. Ltd, Kaltim Prima Coal, PT., and JSW Steel Global Trade Pte Ltd.

Why do Coal import rankings sometimes differ from export destination lists?

Discrepancies arise from Trade Asymmetries: export data (FOB value) reflects the intended destination, while import data (CIF value) captures the actual arrival. Trans-shipments via intermediary hubs can further misalign records.

How to find reliable Coal suppliers and exporters in 2024 Whole Year?

Access verified shipment records, bill of lading details, and active supplier lists for HS Code 2701 via the yTrade database, which identifies partners in key regions like Indonesia.