In January–March 2026, Russian coking coal exports to China jumped up to 8.88 mio t (+0.73 mio t, or +9% y-o-y). In March, shipments surged to 3.37 mio t (+0.54 mio t, or +19% y-o-y, and +46.5% versus February 2026), because handling in ports was limited by adverse weather conditions in February, and part of February’s cargo was shifted to March as the weather improved. Higher shipment volumes were also supported by 2.6 times increase in transshipment at the Elga port, reaching 2.3 mio t (+1.4 mio t, or +159% y-o-y).
The increase in imports of Russian coking coal comes amid a decline in Chinese imports from Canada (–35% y-o-y) and an almost complete halt of U.S. raw materials (2.82 mio t in Q1 2025) as a result of 28% tariffs on U.S. coking coal introduced in 2025.
In Q1 2026, Russia remained the second-largest supplier of coking coal, although its share fell from 29.6% to 26.4%, as Mongolia nearly doubled its exports to to 18.71 mio t (+7.84 mio t, or +72% y-o-y). Australia ranks third with 2.08 mio t (+0.15 mio t, or +8% y-o-y). Canada dropped to fourth place with 1.89 mio t (–35% y-o-y).
In 2025, Russian coking coal exports to China increased to 32.8 mio t (+2.1 mio t, or +7% y-o-y).
Thus, amid tariffs against the U.S. and rising freight rates for Australian coal, Russian coking coal is becoming more competitive due to its price discounts and geographical proximity. In April, sea freight rates remain high, and Chinese importers may continue to prioritize procurement of Russian material.
India, the second-largest buyer of Russian metallurgical coal after China, has also been increasing its purchases from Russia in recent months. According to some forecasts, Russian coking coal supplies to India could grow by approximately 10% in 2026.
Source: CCA
