China’s coal imports fell sharply in May due to strong domestic supply, low prices, and increased wind and solar power generation.
Customs data cited by Reuters showed May imports at 36.04 million tons, down from 43.82 million tons in April. This marks the third straight month of decline for the world’s largest coal importer. For the first five months of 2025, coal imports dropped 8% to 188.7 million tons, compared to 204.9 million tons in the same period last year. The decline follows a price slump that pushed coal to its lowest level in four years.
At the same time, China’s coal production rose. From January to April, the country produced 1.58 billion tons, 6.6% more than a year earlier. April output alone was 389.31 million tons, a 3.8% increase year-on-year. While slightly lower than March’s record, this level still shows coal remains an important energy source.
Meanwhile, thermal power generation fell 4% in the first four months of the year, while wind and solar power increased enough to meet a 3% rise in electricity demand.
Despite growing renewable energy, China has approved more new coal power plants in 2025. Last year saw a 41.5% drop in approvals to 62.24 gigawatts (GW), the first decline since 2021. But coal plant approvals rose again in the first quarter of 2025, reaching 11.29 GW, up from 10 GW in the same period last year.
China’s energy mix shows a complex balance between coal’s continued role and the rapid growth of renewables.
Related Topics:
- Record Coal Exports Raise Climate Concerns Amid Election Silence
- Brown County Announces New Site for Coal Pile Relocation Amid Disputes
- Southeast Asia Moves to Speed Up Coal Plant Closures with Carbon Credits