U.S. Coal Exports Decline by 26% in 2020

The United States coal exports declined by 26% to 69 million metric short tons (MMst) in 2020, from 93 MMst in 2019, according to recent data by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Data also showed that four out of the top 10 U.S. coal exporters increased their imports in 2020, namely Brazil, Turkey, the Dominican Republic, and China.

Meanwhile, Japan and the Netherlands decreased their imports by 45% and 43%, respectively.

“The Netherlands serves as the primary transshipment hub for the European Union (EU), importing coal and then sending it to other EU countries.”

Last year, the U.S. coal production decreased by 24% to 539 MMst.

Accordingly, the share of exports out of the total coal production remained unchanged at 13%.

The Coronavirus pandemic led to a decline in the global demand for energy sources, including coal.