Russian coal production in Kuzbass down 6% YTD, 10% decline expected in 2025

According to the Ministry of Coal Industry of Kuzbass, coal companies in the region produced 125.3 mio t of coal in January–August 2025, down 8.8 mio t or 6% y-o-y.

The region’s governor stated that by the end of 2025, the output is expected to plunge 10% (-19.8 mio t) to 178.6 mio t. This decline is attributed to a deteriorating situation on export markets, including falling prices.

In 2024, coal production in Kuzbass fell to 198.4 mio t (-15.8 mio t or -7.3% y-o-y), while exports dropped to 102.0 mio t (-11.8 mio t or -10.4% y-o-y).

Total coal shipments by rail from Kuzbass over the first 8 months of 2025 fell to 110.9 mio t (-6.5 mio t or -5.9% y-o-y).
Export supplies from Kuzbass in January–August 2025 totaled 67.6 mio t (-2.4 mio t or -3.4% y-o-y).

Declining global prices, along with rising production and logistics costs, have led to increased losses. The number of loss-making enterprises in Russia’s coal industry reached 81 out of 123, or 66%. Eighteen coal companies have already suspended production.

Amid sanctions, high rail tariffs, growing costs, and logistical constraints, the crisis in the coal industry is expected to continue negatively affecting the production and supply of high-quality Russian coal to the global market in 2025.

Source: CCA Analysis