China's Coal Imports Surge in June, Posting YoY Growth in the First Half
Time:2026-07-15 14:15:52 Source:
According to the latest data released by China's General Administration of Customs, the country imported 42.78 Mt of coal in June, up 28.60% month on month, with the monthly growth rate expanding by 28.05 percentage points from May. On a yearly basis, imports increased 29.49%, reversing the 7.7% year-on-year decline recorded in May.
The market had generally expected China's coal imports to continue easing from last year's elevated levels, citing Indonesia's coal policy adjustments, tightening global supply and stronger international demand. However, shipping data and utility procurement activities gradually pointed to a recovery in imports during the second quarter. Several factors contributed to the sharp increase in June imports.
First, demand for summer stockpiling was brought forward. Authorities had forecast another record-high summer peak power load this year, while electricity demand in parts of southern China had already reached repeated highs as early as April. At the same time, coal inventories at coastal power plants were relatively low during April and May, prompting utilities to advance their procurement schedules. As a result, imported cargoes purchased in late April and throughout May were delivered in June, providing strong support for import growth.
Second, imports from Mongolia remained at historically high levels. Although Mongolian border crossings fluctuated during June, overall volumes stayed strong. According to Mongolia's Customs General Administration, the country's coal exports reached 10.31 Mt in June, up 4.76% month on month and 69.01% year on year. Continued strong inflows of Mongolian coal provided solid support for China's overall coal imports.
Third, domestic market conditions also favored imports. China's coal production edged lower year on year in the first half of 2026, while domestic coal prices remained relatively firm despite the traditional off-season. Prices had already risen noticeably before the mining accident disrupted supply, making some imported coal increasingly competitive. Coastal power plants therefore stepped up purchases of imported coal to optimize the calorific value of their inventories while reducing fuel costs.
Supported by the sharp increase in June, China's coal imports totaled 225.40 Mt in the first half of 2026, up 1.7% year on year. Although the growth rate was modest, the import volume reached the second-highest level on record for the first half of a year, surpassed only by the same period in 2024.
Looking ahead, peak summer electricity demand has yet to be fully realized, while coal inventories at power plants remain relatively high, limiting utilities' willingness to make additional spot purchases. However, congestion at South China ports persists and prompt imported cargo arrivals remain substantial. Against this backdrop, China's coal imports in July are expected to remain stronger than previously anticipated.
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