BEIJING, Oct 13 (Reuters): China’s coal imports climbed to a nine-month high in September, as surging domestic coal prices boosted the competitiveness of imported supplies, official data from the General Administration of Customs showed on Monday.
The world’s largest coal consumer imported 46 million metric tons of coal last month — the highest since December 2024 — though slightly below the record 47.59 million tons imported in September 2024, when lower international prices had driven a surge in purchases. That record was later surpassed in November 2024, making September 2024 the second-highest month on record.
“The rapid rebound in domestic prices in the second half of the year has widened the price gap between domestic and imported coal, making imported coal more cost-effective,” said Feng Dongbin, Vice General Manager at consultancy Fenwei Digital Information Technology. “This price advantage is the main factor behind the swift recovery in import volumes,” he added.
Domestic supply constraints have also contributed to the price rally. In Inner Mongolia, China’s top coal-producing province, 15 mines were ordered to suspend operations after exceeding approved production limits, tightening supply further.
Meanwhile, China’s hottest summer on record drove thermal power generation — largely coal-fired — in August to its highest level since at least 1998, sustaining strong demand for the fuel.
For the first nine months of 2025, China’s total coal imports amounted to 345.89 million tons, marking an 11% year-on-year decline, the data showed.
