HS Code:
Bituminous coal (HS Code: 2701.12) is a type of coal with a high carbon content and energy value, widely used for electricity generation, steel production, and industrial heating. It is distinguished from other types of coal by its relatively high heat value and is a critical resource in global energy markets. Bituminous coal accounts for a significant portion of the world's coal trade due to its widespread availability and utility in industrial applications.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately 1.2 billion metric tons
Data from 2022
Source
International Energy Agency (IEA) and UN Comtrade Database
400 million metric tons
33% of global trade of total trade
Increasing
300 million metric tons
25% of global trade of total trade
Increasing
200 million metric tons
17% of global trade of total trade
Decreasing
100 million metric tons
8% of global trade of total trade
Stable
80 million metric tons
7% of global trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
15% (imposed by certain developing economies to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements such as the EU-Australia FTA)
Shift towards cleaner energy sources
Declining demand in developed economies as renewable energy adoption increases, though offset by growth in Asia-Pacific markets
2020-2022
Rising demand in Asia-Pacific
Countries like India and China continue to drive demand due to industrial growth and energy needs, sustaining global trade volumes
2021-2023
Geopolitical disruptions
Sanctions on Russian coal exports following the Ukraine conflict have shifted trade flows towards alternative suppliers like Australia and Indonesia
2022
The European Union implemented a ban on Russian coal imports as part of sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine, redirecting demand to other global suppliers.
August 2022
Increased prices and supply chain reconfiguration, benefiting exporters like Australia and South Africa.
China increased bituminous coal imports to meet energy demands amid domestic production shortfalls and heatwaves driving electricity consumption.
Mid-2023
Boosted trade volumes for Indonesia and Australia, contributing to higher global coal prices.
COP27 discussions emphasized accelerated transitions away from coal, with several countries pledging to phase out coal-fired power plants by 2030.
November 2022
Long-term downward pressure on bituminous coal demand, particularly in OECD countries, though short-term trade remains robust in developing markets.