GACC: China's coal imports hit record high in December

With the total import value at USD 4.57 billion, down 0.3 per cent on year but up 42.6 per cent on month, Mysteel Global estimated the average import price at USD 78 per tonne, marking a 10.9 per cent year-on-year decline while rebounding 7.2 per cent from November.

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This reflected China's seasonal restocking to shore up energy security ahead of the winter peak-demand period, analysts said, adding that attractive seaborne prices and mounting uncertainty regarding global supply also spurred buyers to step up procurement.

Indonesia, China's largest coal supplier, typically accounting for over 40 per cent of total imports, has outlined plans to cut coal output to 600 million tonnes in 2026, sharply lower than the projected 790 million tonnes, Mysteel Global reported.

Read More: MYSTEEL: China's thermal coal sector shrugs at capacity- cut rumors

In addition, Indonesia imposed coal export tariffs ranging from 5 per cent to 11per cent from January 1, 2026, a move that could prompt Chinese buyers to front-load purchases, as reported.

Despite the sharp rebound in December, China's full-year coal imports still fell short of 2024 levels, as robust domestic production continued to crowd out demand for overseas cargoes. From January to December, China imported 490.27 million tonnes of coal, down 9.6 per cent from the record 542.63 million tonnes recorded in 2024, GACC data showed.

Note: This news is published under a content and exchange agreement with Mysteel