Russian coal exports to India fall 2% in H1 2026
September 1, 2026
Russian coal exports to China continued to weaken in Jan-Jul 2026 as logistics costs, sanctions pressure and stronger competition from other suppliers reduced Russia’s market share.
In January-July 2026, Russian coal supplies to China dropped to 43.9 mio t (-7.6 mio t or -14.8% vs. January-July 2025), according to the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).
The decrease in Russian coal supplies resulted from high railway tariffs, logistical issues, international sanctions and ruble appreciation. Given depressed global prices, these factors are forcing most producers to export coal at zero or negative margins, which will likely lead to further production and supply cuts in the near term.
In January-July 2026, China’s total coal imports amounted to 268.1 mio t (+10.7 mio t or +4.2% vs. January-July 2025).
Indonesia, China’s largest coal supplier, in January-July 2026, increased its exports to 106.3 mio t (+2.1 mio t or +2.0% y-o-y).
In January-July 2026, Mongolia continued to boost its coal shipments to 68.6 mio t (+24.4 mio t or +55.2% y-o-y), securing its second place among coal exporters to China.
It is followed by Russia, which was the second-largest supplier after Indonesia last year.
Australia slipped to the fourth place, exporting 41.1 mio t (-1.1 mio t or -2.6% y-o-y).
Market share shifts among major suppliers (7 months 2025/2026):
Despite strong demand, Russian coal exports to China continue to decline due to systemic issues and crisis in the coal industry, potentially leading to Russia’s shrinking market share and growing competitive pressure from other suppliers.
Source: CCA
