US thermal coal exports to Asia, Africa increase, European shipments decline

US thermal coal exports surged to Asia and Africa in the first half of 2024, contributing to an overall rise in US coal exports to 53 million short tons (MMst), up from 49 MMst in the same period of 2023.

Exports to Asia rose by 19 per cent to 14.5 MMst, driven primarily by increased deliveries to India and China. India, which received 57 per cent of these exports in 2023, continued to be a major destination, especially for the brickmaking sector. China’s power companies also contributed significantly to the rise.

In Africa, US thermal coal exports jumped 60 per cent to 5.3 MMst. This increase, the highest in over two decades, was largely directed to Egypt and Morocco. In the first half of 2024, Morocco received 2.8 MMst and Egypt 2.4 MMst, up from 1.4 MMst and 1.8 MMst respectively in the same period of 2023. The growth in exports to North Africa is attributed to high demand from cement and brickmaking industries.

Conversely, US thermal coal exports to Europe fell by 63 per cent to 2.4 MMst due to weaker demand from a mild winter, increased natural gas use, and greater renewable energy generation. In contrast, exports to Europe had risen sharply in 2022 and early 2023 due to sanctions on Russian energy.

Attribution: Energy Information Administration (EIA)

Subediting: M. S. Salama