India Coal Briquettes Import Market -- HS 2701 Trade Data & Price Trend (Q1 2025)

India Coal Briquettes Import (HS 2701) Key Takeaways

India's coal briquettes import under HS Code 2701 in Q1 2025 is dominated by low-grade bulk coal, with 27011920 accounting for over two-thirds of volume at just $0.55/kg, reflecting a high-volume, low-cost energy strategy. The market shows volatility, with a 19% drop from January to February before a 13% rebound in March, signaling underlying demand resilience amid supply adjustments. Supplier concentration is extreme, with a handful of key players—primarily from Indonesia—handling over 75% of imports, creating vulnerability to price swings and disruptions. Geographic reliance on Indonesia (30.86% by weight) further heightens risk, urging diversification toward premium-grade suppliers or transshipment hubs. This analysis, covering Q1 2025, is based on cleanly processed customs data from the yTrade database.

India Coal Briquettes Import (HS 2701) Background

What is HS Code 2701?

HS Code 2701 covers coal; briquettes, ovoids, and similar solid fuels manufactured from coal, primarily used in power generation and industrial processes. These products are critical for energy-intensive sectors like steel, cement, and thermal power plants, driving consistent global demand. India’s reliance on imports under this code reflects its industrial growth and energy needs.

Current Context and Strategic Position

India’s coal briquettes import under HS Code 2701 in Q1 2025 shows heavy dependence on Indonesia, accounting for 41.59% to 54.16% of shipments, with imports valued at $3.02 billion [ytrade.com]. Updated customs policies since December 2024 now require detailed declarations on ash content and calorific value, aiming to improve quality oversight and data accuracy (ytrade.com). As one of India’s top imported mineral fuels, HS Code 2701 trade data highlights the need for supply chain diversification and compliance vigilance amid geopolitical and pricing risks.

India Coal Briquettes Import (HS 2701) Price Trend

Key Observations

India's Coal Briquettes Import trend under HS code 2701 in Q1 2025 recorded a total value of approximately $7.98 billion, with January leading at $2.94 billion, followed by a dip to $2.37 billion in February, and a recovery to $2.67 billion in March. This pattern indicates underlying volatility in import flows during the quarter.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The sequential movement shows a 19% month-on-month decline from January to February, likely reflecting temporary supply or demand adjustments, before a 13% rebound in March. This recovery aligns with typical post-winter inventory builds for industrial energy needs, as coal briquettes are critical for power generation and manufacturing sectors. The India Coal Briquettes Import trend demonstrates resilience despite short-term fluctuations, suggesting stable underlying demand.

External Context and Outlook

The volatility in Q1 can be partly explained by India's heavy reliance on Indonesian suppliers, which accounted for over 41% of imports in March [YTrade], exposing the market to price and supply risks from a single source. Updated customs policies requiring detailed declarations for ash content and calorific value, implemented in late 2024 [Seair], may have contributed to import adjustments as compliance efforts intensified. Looking ahead, the hs code 2701 value trend is expected to remain sensitive to geopolitical factors and diversification efforts, urging importers to secure alternative supplies to mitigate instability.

India Coal Briquettes Import (HS 2701) HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

According to yTrade data, India's import of HS Code 2701 in Q1 2025 is heavily concentrated in a low-value, bulk coal product. The dominating sub-code is "Coal; (other than anthracite and bituminous), whether or not pulverised but not agglomerated" under 27011920, which accounts for over two-thirds of the import quantity and half of the value, with a unit price of just 0.55 USD per kilogram. This low price point highlights its role as a high-volume, low-cost energy source. An extreme price anomaly is present in sub-code 27011290, with a unit price of 926.67 USD per kilogram, which is isolated from the main analysis due to its outlier nature.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The non-anomalous sub-codes can be grouped into two main categories based on unit price and description. First, low-grade bulk coal, including 27011920 and 27011210, with unit prices around 0.5 USD per kilogram, representing raw, unprocessed fuel. Second, mid-grade coal, such as 27011910, 27011990, and 27011100, with unit prices ranging from 1.61 to 2.35 USD per kilogram, indicating slightly higher quality or different types like anthracite and bituminous. This structure confirms that India's HS Code 2701 import trade is primarily in fungible bulk commodities, where prices are likely tied to global indices and grade specifications rather than value-added processing.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

The dominance of low-unit-price products suggests limited pricing power for importers, who must focus on cost-efficient bulk procurement and supply chain management. News reports, such as [ytrade.com], indicate India's heavy reliance on Indonesia for these imports, which poses risks for supply security and price volatility. Analyzing HS Code 2701 trade data reveals a need for strategic diversification of sources and adherence to updated customs declarations to mitigate dependency and ensure stable access to this essential energy commodity.

Check Detailed HS Code 2701 Breakdown

India Coal Briquettes Import (HS 2701) Origin Countries

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

Indonesia is the top supplier of Coal Briquettes to India in Q1 2025, holding a 30.86% share by weight and 24.46% by value. The weight share exceeds the value share, pointing to bulk imports of lower-cost, raw material-like variants for this solid fuel. Frequency is also high at 29.61%, supporting consistent, large-volume shipments.

Origin Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

Other origins split into two clusters. Australia, Russia, South Africa, and the United States form a high-yield group with value shares up to 20.73% but lower weight, indicating premium-grade coal briquettes. Singapore and the United Arab Emirates make up a volume/hub cluster with weight shares up to 34.83%, suggesting roles as transshipment points or sources for bulk cargo.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

India's strong dependence on Indonesia for Coal Briquettes imports, as highlighted in recent trade reports [ytrade.com], raises supply chain risks. To reduce vulnerability, India should diversify sourcing toward high-yield partners for quality or volume hubs for cost efficiency, especially with new customs policies requiring detailed quality declarations (ytrade.com). This approach would stabilize HS Code 2701 trade flows.

Table: India Coal Briquettes (HS 2701) Top Origin Countries (Source: yTrade)

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India Coal Briquettes (HS 2701) Suppliers Analysis

Supplier Concentration and Dominance

According to yTrade data, the India coal briquettes import suppliers market in Q1 2025 is highly concentrated, with a small group of key players handling most transactions. The dominant suppliers account for over three-quarters of the total import value, indicating that typical trade involves frequent, high-volume shipments from a few reliable sources. This structure points to a market where bulk, standardized procurement is common, driven by consistent demand for energy inputs.

Strategic Supplier Clusters and Trade Role

The remaining supplier groups include occasional high-value shippers and more frequent but lower-value participants, but the main cluster's profile suggests an intermediated market. Companies like T S GLOBAL PROCUREMENT COMPANY PTE. LTD and PT LANNA HARITA INDONESIA highlight roles as traders and direct producers, common in commodity flows. The mix of HS code 2701 suppliers shows a reliance on established channels, with Indonesia being a primary source, as noted in import trends [ytrade.com].

Sourcing Strategy and Vulnerability

For Indian importers, this supplier setup requires focusing on relationship management with key partners while addressing risks from over-dependence on specific regions. The high concentration increases vulnerability to supply disruptions or price swings, urging diversification efforts. News reports confirm heavy reliance on Indonesia (ytrade.com), suggesting a need to explore alternative sources to ensure stable, cost-effective supply chains amid potential geopolitical or regulatory changes.

Table: India Coal Briquettes (HS 2701) Top Suppliers List (Source: yTrade)

Check Full Coal Briquettes Supplier lists

Action Plan for Coal Briquettes Market Operation and Expansion

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

India's Coal Briquettes Import under hs code 2701 trade data shows a commodity-driven market. Price is driven by coal grade variations and global index fluctuations. Geopolitical risks from heavy reliance on Indonesia add significant volatility. The Coal Briquettes supply chain implications highlight critical supply security risks. Bulk procurement demands efficient logistics and diversification to mitigate disruptions.

Action Plan: Data-Driven Steps for Coal Briquettes Market Execution and Expansion

• Use hs code 2701 trade data to identify and shift sourcing towards high-yield countries like Australia. This reduces dependency on single origins and stabilizes costs.
• Analyze supplier frequency data to strengthen relationships with key partners and secure backup options. This ensures continuous flow in the Coal Briquettes supply chain.
• Monitor unit price trends in hs code 2701 trade data for optimal procurement timing. This capitalizes on market lows and cuts expenses.
• Implement updated customs declarations for quality verification on all imports. This avoids delays and maintains compliance with new regulations.
• Explore volume hubs like Singapore for transshipment to streamline bulk handling. This improves logistics efficiency and reduces transit risks.

Take Action Now —— Explore India Coal Briquettes Import Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is driving the recent changes in India Coal Briquettes Import 2025 Q1?

The import value fluctuated from $2.94 billion in January to $2.37 billion in February before recovering to $2.67 billion in March, reflecting volatility tied to supply adjustments and post-winter inventory builds. Heavy reliance on Indonesia (41% of March imports) exacerbates price and supply risks.

Q2. Who are the main origin countries of India Coal Briquettes (HS Code 2701) 2025 Q1?

Indonesia dominates with 30.86% share by weight and 24.46% by value. Australia, Russia, and South Africa form a high-yield cluster, while Singapore and the UAE act as volume hubs with up to 34.83% weight share.

Q3. Why does the unit price differ across origin countries of India Coal Briquettes Import?

Prices vary due to grade differences: low-grade bulk coal (e.g., sub-code 27011920 at $0.55/kg) dominates from Indonesia, while mid-grade coal (e.g., 27011910 at $1.61–$2.35/kg) comes from high-yield countries like Australia.

Q4. What should importers in India focus on when buying Coal Briquettes?

Importers must strengthen relationships with key suppliers like T S GLOBAL PROCUREMENT COMPANY PTE. LTD while diversifying sources to mitigate risks from over-dependence on Indonesia and price volatility.

Q5. What does this India Coal Briquettes import pattern mean for overseas suppliers?

Suppliers in high-yield countries (e.g., Australia) can leverage premium-grade demand, while volume hubs (e.g., UAE) benefit from bulk trade. Indonesia’s dominance highlights its reliability but also exposes suppliers to geopolitical risks.

Q6. How is Coal Briquettes typically used in this trade flow?

Coal briquettes are primarily imported as low-cost, high-volume energy sources for power generation and industrial fuel, with bulk-grade variants dominating India’s procurement.

Detailed Monthly Report

India HS2701 Import Snapshot 2025 JAN

India HS2701 Import Snapshot 2025 FEB

India HS2701 Import Snapshot 2025 MAR