In H1 2026, Russian coal supplies to China dropped to 34.9 mio t (-8.7 mio t or -20.0% vs. H1 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 H1 2026, China’s total coal imports amounted to 225.4 mio t (+3.6 mio t or +1.6% vs. H1 2025).
China’s total coal imports in 2025 dipped to 490.5 mio t (-52.3 mio t or -9.6% y-o-y).
Indonesia, China’s largest coal supplier, in H1 2026, reduced its exports to 90.5 mio t (-0.5 mio t or -0.5% y-o-y).
In H1 2026, Mongolia continued to boost its coal shipments to 59.8 mio t (+22.6 mio t or +60.8% 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 32.7 mio t (-3.5 mio t or -9.7% y-o-y).
Market share shifts among major suppliers (H1 2026 vs. H1 2025):
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: GACC / CCA
