How much coal does China produce and export?
China is the largest producer of coal: 4,663 million tonnes in 2025, 52% of the world's 9,053 million tonnes (Energy Institute). It is the nullth largest exporter by value: $975.6 million in 2024, 0.5% of world exports of coal (HS 2701) (CEPII BACI).
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China's coal production
| World rank | Production (million tonnes) | Share of world | Ten-year growth | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4,663 million tonnes | 52% | +2.2% a year | 2025 |
Energy Institute Statistical Review of World Energy, Statistical Review 2026.
Share of world output over time
| 1990 | 2000 | 2010 | 2020 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23% | 29% | 46% | 49% | 52% |
China's coal exports
| World rank | Export value | Share of world exports | Quantity (tonnes) | Average value per tonne | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $975.6 million | 0.5% | 4.1 million t | $237 | 2024 |
CEPII BACI international trade database (HS22, V202601), HS 2701 (Coal; briquettes and similar solid fuels made from coal).
China as a buyer of coal
China imported $39.3 billion of coal (HS 2701) in 2024, 22% of world imports, ranked #1. Of its $39.3 billion of coal imports in 2024, 27% came from Russia and 22% from Australia, among 35 suppliers. Largest sources: Russia (27%), Australia (22%), Mongolia (21%), Indonesia (17%), Canada (5%).
The coal price China sells into
The benchmark price, Australian thermal, Newcastle, was $147.1/t in September 2026, up 38% over twelve months. Its five-year volatility is 42% a year, calmer in 93% of its earlier five-year windows. A single country's export price can differ from the benchmark: see trade price against benchmark. Monthly averages lag the market and are not investment advice. Coal price history.
Cite as: Commodity Origins, "China coal: production, exports and prices", https://commodityorigins.com/countries/CHN/coal/ (CC BY 4.0). Rankings count only countries reporting to the sources named; this page is shown only for top-five producers or exporters with at least 3% of the world total. Report an issue with this page.