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World - Coal - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights
Report Update: Feb 1, 2025

World - Coal - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights

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Oct 30, 2024

Global Coal Reliance Rises Amid Climate Concerns

The ongoing global reliance on coal for energy production is a pressing issue, exacerbating concerns about climate change and environmental sustainability. According to a recent analysis by the German environmental organization Urgewald, which manages the Global Coal Exit List database, there is a worrying trend of increased coal usage despite international efforts to curb it. The data indicates that coal-fired power plants worldwide currently boast a capacity of 2,126 gigawatts, marking an 11% increase since 2015, the year the Paris Agreement was pivotal in rallying global consensus to combat global warming.

In 2022 alone, an additional 30 gigawatts of coal capacity was added. This surge is equivalent to surpassing the entire coal-fired power plant capacity of countries like Poland, highlighting an alarming growth trend. A significant chunk of this expansion is concentrated in China, where the paradox of growing renewable energy initiatives coupled with increasing coal reliance creates a complex energy landscape.

Coal Production and Economic Implications

In 2023, China leads in coal production, with an astounding volume of 3.936 billion tons. This positions China as a dominant force in the global coal market, as reflected in data from the IndexBox platform. India follows with a production volume of 754.022 million tons, further establishing Asia as a key player in coal consumption and production.

Other noteworthy contributors include Indonesia, producing 671.308 million tons, the United States with 612.905 million tons, and Australia rounding out the top five with 473.355 million tons. The extensive production in these nations underscores their dependence on coal as a fundamental aspect of their industrial frameworks and economic strategies.

Challenges in Phasing Out Coal

Despite international commitments from over 130 countries at last year's climate conference in Dubai to phase out coal-fired power, concrete steps towards achieving this goal appear insufficient. Urgewald's evaluation finds that less than 5% of recorded coal companies have declared a definitive phase-out plan.

The urgency of addressing such inertia is underscored by guidelines from the International Energy Agency and the United Nations, which emphasize the necessity for industrialized nations to eliminate coal dependence promptly. The proposed timeline requires that other countries follow suit by 2040 to strive towards the Paris Agreement's target of restraining global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

Economic Opportunities Amid Environmental Challenges

The economic dynamics of coal are further elaborated through the export values of coal, with Australia leading with an export worth of USD 67.642 billion in 2023. This figure is courtesy of the IndexBox platform and shows Australia's significant role in supplying coal to global markets. Indonesia's coal export value follows at USD 43.058 billion, with Russia and the United States in tow with values of USD 35.637 billion and USD 15.517 billion, respectively. Meanwhile, Canada's coal export figures stand at USD 9.004 billion.

While these numbers speak to lucrative economic avenues, they also reflect an inherent challenge in balancing economic gains with environmental responsibilities. This duality presents a complex scenario for policymakers who need to address climate concerns while sustaining economic growth.

Global Commitments and National Realities

While the international community frequently reaffirms its commitment to the 1.5-degree target at successive climate conventions, on-ground realities reveal a less optimistic picture. For instance, despite countries signing agreements to phase out coal, the lack of actionable measures suggests a gap between diplomatic intentions and practical implementations.

Addressing the worst outcomes of the climate crisis, such as rising ocean levels, and the increasing frequency and severity of heatwaves, droughts, and natural disasters, necessitates a firm resolve and effective implementation strategies worldwide. However, the lag in announcing clear phase-out strategies from coal-dependent companies raises questions about the global community's ability to meet these ambitious environmental targets.

The Path Forward

The escalating challenge of reliance on coal necessitates a multi-pronged approach to shift towards sustainable energy resources. As leading coal-producing nations like China and India double down on their energy strategies, balancing industrial needs with global sustainability imperatives presents an ongoing challenge. Meanwhile, coal-exporting giants like Australia and Indonesia continue to profit financially, indicating a complex interdependency between economic imperatives and environmental actions.

In conclusion, the global community finds itself at a crossroads between maintaining economic momentum through coal and unanimously striving for a sustainable future. While the undertaking is daunting, with focused strategies, international cooperation, and a stringent approach to climate commitments, the goal of phasing out coal could evolve beyond aspirational rhetoric into tangible reality.

Ultimately, as nations grapple with this complex equation, the clock ticks on our planet's environmental front. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether the global community can pivot towards sustainable solutions and mitigate the severe consequences posed by climate change, thus ensuring a safer planet for future generations.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the global coal market. Within it, you will discover the latest data on market trends and opportunities by country, consumption, production and price developments, as well as the global trade (imports and exports). The forecast exhibits the market prospects through 2030.

Product coverage:

    Country coverage:

    Worldwide - the report contains statistical data for 200 countries and includes detailed profiles of the 50 largest consuming countries:

    + the largest producing countries

    Data coverage:

    • Global market volume and value
    • Per Capita consumption
    • Forecast of the market dynamics in the medium term
    • Global production, split by region and country
    • Global trade (exports and imports)
    • Export and import prices
    • Market trends, drivers and restraints
    • Key market players and their profiles

    Company coverage:

    Jitegemee holdings comapany, Rio Tinto, China Shenhua Energy, Anglo American plc, Coal India, NTPC Limited, Sasol, Shaanxi Coal and Chemical Industry, Teck Resources, ČEZ Group

    Reasons to buy this report:

    • Take advantage of the latest data
    • Find deeper insights into current market developments
    • Discover vital success factors affecting the market

    This report is designed for manufacturers, distributors, importers, and wholesalers, as well as for investors, consultants and advisors.

    In this report, you can find information that helps you to make informed decisions on the following issues:

    1. How to diversify your business and benefit from new market opportunities
    2. How to load your idle production capacity
    3. How to boost your sales on overseas markets
    4. How to increase your profit margins
    5. How to make your supply chain more sustainable
    6. How to reduce your production and supply chain costs
    7. How to outsource production to other countries
    8. How to prepare your business for global expansion

    While doing this research, we combine the accumulated expertise of our analysts and the capabilities of artificial intelligence. The AI-based platform, developed by our data scientists, constitutes the key working tool for business analysts, empowering them to discover deep insights and ideas from the marketing data.

    1. 1. INTRODUCTION

      Making Data-Driven Decisions to Grow Your Business

      1. REPORT DESCRIPTION
      2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND AI PLATFORM
      3. DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
      4. GLOSSARY AND SPECIFIC TERMS

    2. 2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

      A Quick Overview of Market Performance

      1. KEY FINDINGS
      2. MARKET TRENDS This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO

    3. 3. MARKET OVERVIEW

      Understanding the Current State of The Market and Its Prospects

      1. MARKET SIZE
      2. CONSUMPTION BY COUNTRY
      3. MARKET FORECAST TO 2030

    4. 4. MOST PROMISING PRODUCT

      Finding New Products to Diversify Your Business

      This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
      1. TOP PRODUCTS TO DIVERSIFY YOUR BUSINESS
      2. BEST-SELLING PRODUCTS
      3. MOST CONSUMED PRODUCT
      4. MOST TRADED PRODUCT
      5. MOST PROFITABLE PRODUCT FOR EXPORT

    5. 5. MOST PROMISING SUPPLYING COUNTRIES

      Choosing the Best Countries to Establish Your Sustainable Supply Chain

      This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
      1. TOP COUNTRIES TO SOURCE YOUR PRODUCT
      2. TOP PRODUCING COUNTRIES
      3. TOP EXPORTING COUNTRIES
      4. LOW-COST EXPORTING COUNTRIES

    6. 6. MOST PROMISING OVERSEAS MARKETS

      Choosing the Best Countries to Boost Your Exports

      This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
      1. TOP OVERSEAS MARKETS FOR EXPORTING YOUR PRODUCT
      2. TOP CONSUMING MARKETS
      3. UNSATURATED MARKETS
      4. TOP IMPORTING MARKETS
      5. MOST PROFITABLE MARKETS

    7. 7. GLOBAL PRODUCTION

      The Latest Trends and Insights into The Industry

      1. PRODUCTION VOLUME AND VALUE
      2. PRODUCTION BY COUNTRY

    8. 8. GLOBAL IMPORTS

      The Largest Importers on The Market and How They Succeed

      1. IMPORTS FROM 2012–2024
      2. IMPORTS BY COUNTRY
      3. IMPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY

    9. 9. GLOBAL EXPORTS

      The Largest Exporters on The Market and How They Succeed

      1. EXPORTS FROM 2012–2024
      2. EXPORTS BY COUNTRY
      3. EXPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY

    10. 10. PROFILES OF MAJOR PRODUCERS

      The Largest Producers on The Market and Their Profiles

      This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO

    11. 11. COUNTRY PROFILES

      The Largest Markets And Their Profiles

      This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
      • United States
      • China
      • Japan
      • Germany
      • United Kingdom
      • France
      • Brazil
      • Italy
      • Russian Federation
      • India
      • Canada
      • Australia
      • Republic of Korea
      • Spain
      • Mexico
      • Indonesia
      • Netherlands
      • Turkey
      • Saudi Arabia
      • Switzerland
      • Sweden
      • Nigeria
      • Poland
      • Belgium
      • Argentina
      • Norway
      • Austria
      • Thailand
      • United Arab Emirates
      • Colombia
      • Denmark
      • South Africa
      • Malaysia
      • Israel
      • Singapore
      • Egypt
      • Philippines
      • Finland
      • Chile
      • Ireland
      • Pakistan
      • Greece
      • Portugal
      • Kazakhstan
      • Algeria
      • Czech Republic
      • Qatar
      • Peru
      • Romania
      • Vietnam

    12. LIST OF TABLES

      1. Key Findings In 2024
      2. Market Volume, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
      3. Market Value, 2012–2024
      4. Per Capita Consumption, By Country, 2018–2024
      5. Production, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
      6. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
      7. Imports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
      8. Import Prices, By Country Of Destination, 2012–2024
      9. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
      10. Exports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
      11. Export Prices, By Country Of Origin, 2012–2024

    13. LIST OF FIGURES

      1. Market Volume, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
      2. Market Value, 2012–2024
      3. Consumption, By Country, 2024
      4. Market Volume Forecast to 2030
      5. Market Value Forecast to 2030
      6. Products: Market Size And Growth, By Type
      7. Products: Average Per Capita Consumption, By Type
      8. Products: Exports And Growth, By Type
      9. Products: Export Prices And Growth, By Type
      10. Production Volume And Growth
      11. Exports And Growth
      12. Export Prices And Growth
      13. Market Size And Growth
      14. Per Capita Consumption
      15. Imports And Growth
      16. Import Prices
      17. Production, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
      18. Production, In Value Terms, 2012–2024
      19. Production, By Country, 2024
      20. Production, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
      21. Imports, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
      22. Imports, In Value Terms, 2012–2024
      23. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2024
      24. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
      25. Imports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
      26. Import Prices, By Country, 2012–2024
      27. Exports, In Physical Terms, 2012–2024
      28. Exports, In Value Terms, 2012–2024
      29. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2024
      30. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
      31. Exports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
      32. Export Prices, 2012–2024

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