China's Coal Imports Surge by 125% in First Half of 2024

Significant Increase in Seaborne Coal Imports

China's coal imports from the seaborne market reached 97.43 million metric tons in the first half of 2024, marking a significant 125% increase compared to the same period last year.

Australia Remains Major Supplier

Despite the ban on Australian coal imports, China sourced 27.3 million tonnes of coal from Australia, with the majority (21.3 million tonnes) being thermal grade coal used in power plants.

Diversification of Import Sources

China has expanded its coal import sources to compensate for the loss of Australian supply. Notably, imports from Indonesia, Russia, and Mongolia have increased.

Robust Imports Despite Falling Demand

The surge in coal imports contrasts with a decline in overall commercial coal consumption in China during the first six months of 2024.