SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

Chinas Coal Imports in November Rise by 19% Thanks to Long-Term Contracts

China's coal imports increased by 19% in November compared to October, reaching nearly 55 million tons. This growth is driven by stable supply from long-term contracts, despite muted spot demand.

Share:

Subscribe for unlimited access to all energy sector news.

Over 150 multisector articles and analyses every week.

Your 1st year at 99 $*

then 199 $/year

SUBSCRIBE — 99 $ for the 1st year

Create a free account to read this article

*renews at 199$/year, cancel anytime before renewal.

China’s coal imports reached 54.98 million tons in November, marking a significant 18.9% increase from the previous month, according to data released by the General Administration of Customs. This figure also represents a 26.4% increase compared to November of the previous year.

Between January and November 2024, cumulative coal imports rose by 14.8%, exceeding 490 million tons. This upward trend is accompanied by a decrease in average prices. In November, the average price of imported coal and lignite stood at $90.15/ton, down from $104.48/ton during the same period in 2023.

Stable Supply from Long-Term Contracts

The increase in imports is mainly attributed to a consistent flow of shipments resulting from long-term contracts signed earlier this year. These regular deliveries have allowed China to maintain a stable supply, effectively meeting heating demands ahead of the winter season.

According to ANZ Research, this import strategy aligns with the country’s efforts to ensure energy security. Despite high stock levels at power plants and ports, authorities continue to prioritize stable supplies through these contracts.

Muted Spot Demand and High Stock Levels

In November, demand for spot coal remained weak, primarily due to high stock levels and competitive domestic prices. Northern ports in China, including Qinhuangdao, Jingtang, and Caofeidian, reported total coal stocks of 30.15 million tons in early December, up from 28.7 million tons a week earlier.

Chinese buyers also exercised caution in purchasing spot shipments, focusing instead on negotiating long-term contracts for the upcoming fiscal year. However, as winter intensifies, a slight uptick in spot demand is anticipated.

A Market Affected by Declining Prices

Prices for coal delivered to China with a calorific value of 5,500 kcal/kg averaged $100.20/ton in November 2024, down from $115.93/ton in November 2023. This trend reflects an oversupply situation and subdued domestic demand, despite economic stimulus measures introduced by the Chinese government.

In conclusion, China’s coal imports continue to be bolstered by long-term contracts, meeting the country’s energy needs. However, the combination of high stock levels and robust domestic production is expected to keep spot demand modest for the remainder of the year.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
Equinor, Shell and TotalEnergies launch the first subsea CO2 injection in Norway
Quebec allocates $1.5M to meet the demand for wind turbine technicians
Guidehouse forecasts $8.1 billion revenues for modular reactors by 2034
AMIGO LNG signs 15-year deal with Macquarie for 0.6 MTPA of LNG
Mondi invests €120mn in biomass power plant in Slovakia to cut energy reliance
China: 25 GW of coal approved in H1 2025, commissioning surges
China approved 25 GW in H1 2025 and commissioned 21 GW; the annual total could exceed 80 GW. Proposals reached 75 GW and coal’s share fell to 51% in June, amid declining imports.
Vitol and Breakwall finance $150M to support a metallurgical coal mine
Valor Mining Credit Partners completes its first major financing with a secured loan to strengthen the operational capacity of a U.S. mining site.
The U.S. Department of Energy Extends Operations of a Coal Plant in the Midwest
Amid tensions on the Midwest power grid, Washington orders the continued operation of the J.H. Campbell plant to secure electricity supply over the coming months.
Peabody cancels its $3.78 billion bid for Anglo’s coal mines
Peabody Energy abandons the acquisition of Anglo American’s Australian coal assets, triggering an arbitration process following the failure of a post-incident agreement at the Moranbah North mine.
Core Natural Resources reports USD220.2mn in cash flow and adjusts its financial policy
Core Natural Resources announces USD220.2mn in operating cash flow for the second quarter of 2025, while revising its capital return strategy and increasing post-merger synergies.
Global demand could extend coal’s role beyond 2030
A report by Wood Mackenzie reveals that geopolitical pressures and rising global electricity demand could keep coal-fired generation elevated well beyond current forecasts.
Ramaco opens first US rare earth mine in 70 years
Ramaco Resources officially opens in the United States the first mine dedicated to rare earths in seven decades, also inaugurating Wyoming's first new coal mining operation in over half a century during a ceremony attended by senior political officials.
Turkey’s Eren Energi seeks 375,000 tonnes of thermal coal before December
Turkish power producer Eren Energi Elektrik Uretim has launched a tender to buy 375,000 tonnes of thermal coal to be delivered in five shipments starting from August 2025, according to a document seen by Platts on June 27.
Ireland exits coal permanently with closure of Moneypoint power plant
Ireland ends four decades of coal-based electricity production by converting its Moneypoint power plant to heavy fuel oil, now exclusively reserved for the balancing market until 2029.
Duke Energy considers sale of coal units at Cayuga in Indiana
Duke Energy Indiana will launch a technical study to evaluate the potential sale of its coal units at the Cayuga site following the planned commissioning of new natural gas plants in 2029 and 2030.
China’s Coal Imports Fall by 18%, Affected by Low Domestic Prices
China's coal imports dropped 18% in May, driven by historically low domestic prices and significant growth in national production, shifting the country's energy market dynamics.
India’s coal-fired electricity generation drops 9.5% in May, steepest decline in five years
India’s unprecedented drop in power demand led to a sharp decline in coal-based generation in May, while renewable energy output reached a record high.
China approves 11.29 GW of coal in Q1 despite unprecedented decline in 2024
Greenpeace data shows a renewed wave of coal projects in early 2025, as renewable capacity surpasses thermal energy for the first time.
Coal Lawsuit: BlackRock Warns on U.S. Energy Independence
Financial giant BlackRock highlights economic and strategic risks linked to an antitrust procedure backed by Washington, targeting major asset managers accused of conspiring to reduce coal production in the United States.
Adani Power invests $2bn in a 1,500 MW coal power plant in Uttar Pradesh
Adani Power will supply 1,500 MW to Uttar Pradesh through an ultra-supercritical coal power plant built under the DBFOO model, at a tariff of Rs 5.383 per unit.
Australian coal mines emit 40% more methane than reported, according to EMBER and KAYRROS
A satellite analysis led by Ember and Kayrros shows that methane emissions from Australian mines are 40% higher than official reports, revealing significant gaps in the current coal sector monitoring.
Trump signs executive orders to ease coal industry regulations
Donald Trump issues several executive orders aimed at reducing regulations on the U.S. coal industry, addressing economic expectations from coal-producing states while securing national energy supply.
Zambia and Zimbabwe restart coal-fired power plants despite global decline
Backed by Chinese funding, Zambia and Zimbabwe are reviving coal projects in contrast to international energy sector trends.
New coal-fired power plant additions fall to 20-year low
New coal-fired electricity capacity added in 2024 dropped to 44 GW, driven mainly by China and India, according to a report released on Thursday.
Finland: Helen ends coal use with closure of Salmisaari power plant
Finnish energy company Helen has halted operations at the Salmisaari plant, the country’s last coal facility, halving its carbon dioxide emissions in one year.

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.

or

Go unlimited with our annual offer: $99 for the 1styear year, then $ 199/year.

SUBSCRIBE - €99