US coal exports fell 11% in the first half of 2025, totaling 46.8 million short tons, primarily driven by reduced shipments to China, according to the US Energy Information Administration. Steam coal exports dropped 10% to 22.5 MMst, and metallurgical coal fell 13% to 24.2 MMst. The decline reflects China’s new tariffs on US coal, as well as a global market with an ample supply and weak demand. Meanwhile, domestic coal consumption in the US power sector has increased due to higher natural gas prices and rising electricity demand. The EIA writes:
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According to data released by the U.S. Census Bureau in September, the United States exported 46.8 million short tons (MMst) of coal in the first half of 2025 (1H25), an 11% decline from 1H24.
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Steam coal exports totaled 22.5 MMst, a 10% decline from 1H24. Metallurgical coal exports totaled 24.2 MMst, a 13% decline from 1H24.
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Reduced coal exports to China (4.4 MMst) accounted for 73% of the decline in total U.S. net coal exports. China accounted for 76% of the decline in metallurgical coal exports and 68% of the decline in steam coal exports.
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U.S. exports to China decreased after China imposed a 15% additional tariff on imports of U.S. coal in February and a 34% reciprocal tariff on imports from the United States in April.
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The reduction in total exports also reflects a global market characterized by declining coal prices caused by ample supply and soft demand. Meanwhile, coal consumption in the U.S. electric power sector has risen due to more demand and higher natural gas prices.
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