Table of Contents
Coal remains one of the most globally traded energy commodities, and in H1 2025, the landscape is shifting rapidly as countries compete for market share across Asia and Europe.
Kazakhstan leads by a significant margin, followed by Indonesia, Russia, Colombia, and Mongolia, each shaped by unique market forces, policy changes, and buyer demand.
Top 5 coal exporting countries: Which country exports the most coal?
Based on H1 2025 global trade data, Kazakhstan is the world’s largest coal exporter by export value, recording approximately US$35.37 billion in coal exports and accounting for about 50.6% of global coal export value during the period, making it the clear global leader in coal exports.
Which top 5 coal exporting countries are the largest producers of coal?
According to TradeInt’s global coal trade database, the world’s top five coal-producing countries with the strongest export capacity are Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Russia, Colombia, and Mongolia. TradeInt’s latest data shows Kazakhstan leading with US$35.37 billion in coal exports (50.56% global share), followed by Indonesia (US$21.64 billion, 30.93%), Russia (US$6.67 billion, 9.53%), Colombia (US$2.93 billion, 4.19%), and Mongolia (US$2.45 billion, 3.50%), highlighting their dominant roles in supplying coal to global power generation, industrial fuel, and energy-intensive manufacturing markets.
- Kazakhstan ranks #1 with US$35.37 billion in coal exports (50.56% share), the highest value globally.
- Indonesia follows with US$21.64 billion (30.93% share), maintaining strong output but still far behind Kazakhstan.
- Russia takes third place with US$6.67 billion (9.53%).
- Colombia exports US$2.93 billion of coal (4.19%), supported by strong quantity output.
- Mongolia rounds out the top five with US$2.45 billion (3.50%), driven by high-volume shipments.
| Rank | Country | Export Value (USD) | Share (%) | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kazakhstan | $35,366,660,681.97 | 50.56% | 🔒 Explore Kazakhstan Trade Data |
| 2 | Indonesia | $21,637,470,674.90 | 30.93% | 🔒 Explore Indonesia Trade Data |
| 3 | Russia | $6,666,362,373.34 | 9.53% | 🔒 Explore Russia Trade Data |
| 4 | Colombia | $2,928,590,728.05 | 4.19% | 🔒 Explore Colombia Trade Data |
| 5 | Mongolia | $2,450,092,970.50 | 3.50% | 🔒 Explore Mongolia Trade Data |
The TradeInt coal export data highlights that among the top coal exporting countries in H1 2025, Kazakhstan and Indonesia control more than 80% of the total export value.
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1. Kazakhstan – $35.37 billion
Does Kazakhstan produce coal?
Yes, Kazakhstan produces coal, and TradeInt data shows it is the world’s top coal exporter in H1 2025. In the first six months alone, Kazakhstan recorded US$35.37B in coal export value, contributing over 50% of the global supply. From TradeInt Kazakhstan coal export data, major suppliers like AO Shubarkol Komir drive this dominance with exceptionally high-volume, high-value shipments.
Who are the top Kazakhstan coal suppliers in the first half of 2025?
Top Kazakhstan coal suppliers in the first half of 2025:
- AO Shubarkol Komir — US$18.21B
- TOO Asia Ferroalloys — US$6.20B
- AO Shubarkol Premium — US$5.63B
- LLP (name truncated in dataset) — US$4.62B
- TOO Saryarka Energy — US$409.40M
- TOO Kazkomir Kompani — US$149.31M
| Rank | Supplier / Company Name | Export Value (US$) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AO Shubarkol Komir | US$18.21B | 🔒 Unlock Coal Supplier in Kazakhstan Trade Data |
| 2 | TOO Asia Ferroalloys | US$6.20B | |
| 3 | AO Shubarkol Premium | US$5.63B | |
| 4 | Товарищество с ограниченной ответственностью | US$4.62B | |
| 5 | TOO Saryarka Energy | US$409.40M | |
| 6 | TOO Kazkomir Kompani | US$149.31M |
Overall, coal export activity in Kazakhstan is heavily led by AO Shubarkol Komir, followed by TOO Asia Ferroalloys and AO Shubarkol Premium.
Kazakhstan strengthened its position among major coal exporting countries in 2025 as European buyers shifted away from Russian supply and Asian markets expanded their purchases. As a result, exporters gained both market share and logistical advantages, especially through increased access to Russian transit routes.
The country’s coal exports in H1 2025 were concentrated in markets where European demand surged after Russian supply declines, while Asian buyers simultaneously increased orders, leading the EU to source 6.5% of its coal from Kazakhstan.
- Poland, Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy
- China and India
- Latvia, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan
- Russia (buyer + transit corridor)
At the same time, Kazakhstan’s routing strategy shifted sharply as transit through Russia rose 38% to 6.7 million tons, enabled by EU exemptions and further supported by falling Russian shipments that opened capacity across Taman and northwest ports.
- Taman port volumes nearly doubled to 2.3M tons
- Northwest Russian ports up 19%
- Russian shipments fell 32% (Taman) and 27% (northwest ports)
2. Indonesia – $21.64 billion
Is Indonesia the largest exporter of coal?
According to TradeInt’s Indonesia coal export data, Indonesia tops the world’s second largest coal exporter, exported approximately US$21.64 billion worth of coal in H1 2025. TradeInt’s latest data shows that Indonesia’s coal exports were primarily shipped to India (US$4.23B) and China (US$3.85B), followed by Malaysia (US$1.98B), Philippines (US$1.90B), and Vietnam (US$1.36B), reflecting Indonesia’s critical role in supplying coal to major Asian power generation, industrial fuel, and energy-intensive manufacturing markets.
Top coal export destinations of Indonesia in H1 2025:
- India – $4.23B: Indonesia’s biggest coal buyer, driven by power generation demand.
- China – $3.85B: Strong imports due to industrial energy needs.
- Philippines – $1.90B: Stable demand for thermal coal.
- Malaysia – $1.98B: Consistent regional buyer.
- Vietnam – $1.36B: Fueling manufacturing and power growth.
| Rank | Country | Export Value (US$) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | $4,226,371,438.38 | 🔒 Explore India Trade Data |
| 2 | China | $3,852,081,793.66 | 🔒 Explore China Trade Data |
| 3 | Philippines | $1,899,357,560.68 | 🔒 Explore Philippines Trade Data |
| 4 | Malaysia | $1,979,217,049.66 | 🔒 Explore Malaysia Trade Data |
| 5 | Vietnam | $1,357,038,056.38 | 🔒 Explore Vietnam Trade Data |
| 6 | 🔒 Unlock Indonesia Top Coal Export Destination 2025 Trade Data | $2,238,609,914.45 | 🔒 Unlock Indonesia Top Coal Export Destination 2025 Trade Data |
| 7 | $930,470,319.47 | ||
| 8 | $1,561,593,019.31 |
📖 Must also read: Palm Oil Exporters in Indonesia: Market Trends & Growth 2025
Indonesia remains one of the dominant coal exporting countries in 2025, but its export performance faced clear headwinds as demand weakened across major Asian buyers. Even with softer market conditions, Indonesia’s scale, output, and regional reach keep it central to Asia’s coal supply chain.
Does Indonesia have a lot of coal?
Yes. Indonesia has exceptionally large coal output and is one of the world’s biggest thermal coal producers. Recent figures show annual shipments of 550–570 million tonnes, with 555 million tonnes exported in 2024, equal to roughly two-thirds of total national production. This scale confirms Indonesia as one of the most resource-abundant coal producers globally.
Indonesia’s export activity in 2025 reflects sharp shifts in buying behavior, especially among China and India, whose rising domestic production reduced import appetite.
- Exports in Jan–Apr 2025 fell 12% YoY (≈150 million tons shipped), the lowest in 3 years.
- China cut Indonesian coal imports by 20% (–14M tons).
- India reduced purchases by 15% (–6M tons).
- Japan & South Korea collectively dropped imports from 17M → 13M tons.
- Southeast Asian markets (Malaysia, Vietnam) absorbed more volume but not enough to offset declines.
Outside these shifts, broader coal use in Asia also softened, as Q1 2025 coal-fired electricity generation fell 3% YoY, reducing overall import demand across Taiwan, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Pakistan.
3. Russia – $6.67 billion
How much coal does Russia export, and where does it export to?
According to TradeInt’s Russia coal export database, Russia exported approximately US$6.67 billion worth of coal in H1 2025, with a total trade volume of about 87 million tonnes. TradeInt’s latest data shows that Russian coal exports were primarily destined for China (US$2.79B), followed by Turkey (US$1.23B) and India (US$1.17B), with additional shipments to South Korea (US$493.6M) and Indonesia (US$225.4M), underscoring Russia’s continued role as a major coal supplier to Asian and Eurasian energy and industrial markets.
Top 5 Russian Coal Export Country Destinations in the first half of 2025:
- China – $2.79B: Russia’s largest coal buyer, driven by continuous industrial and power generation demand.
- Turkey – $1.23B: A strategic buyer maintaining strong energy imports despite geopolitical shifts.
- India – $1.17B: Steady demand as India diversifies import sources alongside domestic production growth.
- South Korea – $494M: High-value market requiring consistent thermal coal supply.
- Indonesia – $225M: Lower-volume trade, often linked to blending needs and regional distribution.
- Vietnam – $168M: Growing Southeast Asian market balancing domestic and imported coal use.
| Rank | Country | Export Value (US$) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | $2,788,824,695.30 | 🔒 Explore China Trade Data |
| 2 | Turkey | $1,232,883,860.40 | 🔒 Explore Turkey Trade Data |
| 3 | India | $1,169,341,005.49 | 🔒 Explore India Trade Data |
| 4 | South Korea | $493,606,568.36 | 🔒 Explore South Korea Trade Data |
| 5 | Indonesia | $225,428,453.15 | 🔒 Explore Indonesia Trade Data |
| 6 | Vietnam | $167,677,468.25 | 🔒 Explore Vietnam Trade Data |
| 7 | 🔒 Unlock Russia Top Coal Export Destination 2025 Trade Data | $143,841,240.14 | 🔒 Unlock Russia Top Coal Export Destination 2025 Trade Data |
| 8 | $110,118,313.24 | ||
| 9 | $55,799,103.96 |
Based on the coal export data provided by TradeInt, in summary, Russia’s coal exports are concentrated in a small group of Asian markets, led by China, Turkey, and India.
Russia remains a major player among coal exporting countries in 2025, but the year is marked by falling demand, shrinking margins, and structural pressure across the industry. Export volumes may reach ~200 million tonnes, yet most companies face losses as low global prices, a strong ruble, and high logistics costs push margins toward zero.
Russia’s largest buyer, China, sharply reduced imports.
Shipments dropped to 73.1 million tonnes (–8.3%) in Jan–Oct 2025, with October alone falling –9.7%, marking the seventh consecutive monthly decline. India also cut purchases, and combined imports from Japan and South Korea slipped from 17 million tonnes to 13 million tonnes as coal-fired power use across Asia fell 3% in Q1.
Even so, Russia remained China’s second-largest supplier, gaining slight market share (18.9%, +0.6 p.p.) as Indonesia, Mongolia, and Australia shifted volumes. However, this position came at the cost of deeper discounts and higher freight expenses.
Logistics heavily shaped export performance.
- High railway tariffs and sanctions limited flows on traditional routes.
- Exports from Yakutia and Sakhalin expanded because these regions bypass congested or sanctioned infrastructure.
- Producers increasingly relied on these isolated routes to maintain shipments.
4. Colombia – $2.93 billion
How much coal does Colombia export?
According to TradeInt’s Colombia coal export data, Colombia exported approximately US$2.93 billion worth of coal in the first half of 2025. TradeInt’s latest trade data shows that Colombian coal exports were primarily shipped to Netherlands (US$406.6M) and South Korea (US$345.5M), followed by Chile (US$279.5M), Brazil, Turkey, and Taiwan, China—highlighting Colombia’s role as a key supplier to European, Asian, and Latin American power generation and industrial fuel markets.
- Netherlands – $406.6M: Colombia’s largest buyer, acting as a major European gateway for coal imports.
- South Korea – $345.5M: High-volume demand for power generation and industry.
- Chile – $279.5M: Strong importer due to limited domestic coal resources.
- Brazil – $266.3M: Steady demand supporting industrial and energy sectors.
- Turkey – $261.1M: Continues to diversify coal suppliers amid rising consumption.
- Taiwan, China – $254.8M: Relies on imports to stabilize power generation needs.
| Rank | Country | Export Value (USD) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Netherlands | $406,562,778.68 | 🔒 Explore Netherlands Trade Data |
| 2 | South Korea | $345,514,733.82 | 🔒 Explore South Korea Trade Data |
| 3 | Chile | $279,545,382.47 | 🔒 Explore Chile Trade Data |
| 4 | Brazil | $266,308,693.99 | 🔒 Explore Brazil Trade Data |
| 5 | Turkey | $261,079,940.08 | 🔒 Explore Turkey Trade Data |
| 6 | Taiwan, China | $254,815,842.15 | 🔒 Explore Taiwan, China Trade Data |
In short, the table shows a diversified coal export profile, with Colombia supplying multiple mid-sized markets rather than relying on a single buyer.
Colombia’s coal export mix also reflects a much larger global trend: the growing influence of Asia in international trade. As UNCTAD notes, East and South Asia, particularly China, India, and ASEAN economies, have become the world’s strongest export engines.
See the full breakdown here: Top 10 Largest Exporting Countries In The World 2024/2025
Colombia’s coal exports in 2025 were shaped mainly by two factors: the renewed ban on coal sales to Israel and persistently low global prices, both of which caused sharp fluctuations in monthly export volumes. After the ban took effect, exports fell heavily, dropping about 46% YoY in July, as one of Colombia’s key buyers, Israel, was removed from the market.
The decline did not last long. In September, exports rebounded 156% month-on-month to 5.53 million tonnes, according to DANE, driven by rapid redirection of supply toward Asia and Europe.
The main shifts were clear:
- Buyers such as South Korea, Turkey, the Netherlands, China, Taiwan, and Brazil stepped in to absorb displaced volumes.
- Metallurgical coal shipments to Brazil gained traction as thermal coal prices weakened.
- Exporters adjusted routing, moving more volume through Atlantic channels as Pacific routes became costlier due to freight decarbonization initiatives.
5. Mongolia – $2.45 billion
Which companies are Mongolia's biggest coal exporters?
According to TradeInt’s Mongolia coal export database, Mongolia recorded a total coal export value of approximately US$2.45 billion in the first half of 2025. TradeInt’s latest data shows that Mongolia’s coal exports were led by Mongolian Gold MAC LLC (US$558.0M), followed by EnergyResource LLC (US$442.9M) and Sausgobi Sands LLC GHO (US$396.6M), Moenco LLC — $215M with additional significant contributions from other major exporters, underscoring a highly concentrated exporter structure supplying coal to regional power generation and industrial markets.
Top Coal Exporters in Mongolia in the first half of 2025:
- Mongolian Gold MAC LLC – $558M: Largest coal exporter, contributing nearly a quarter of total value.
- EnergyResource LLC – $443M: Major thermal coal supplier with strong shipment activity.
- Sausgobi Sands LLC – $397M: High-volume exporter supporting Mongolia’s southern coal corridor.
- Moenco LLC – $215M: Mid-tier exporter maintaining steady market presence.
- Khuren Tolgoi Coal Mining LLC – $127M: Smaller but consistent supplier.
- Growth Co Ltd – $119M: Adds diversified capacity within Mongolia’s coal sector.
| Rank | Exporter (Company) | Export Value (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mongolian Gold MAC LLC | $558,019,705.79 |
| 2 | Energy Resource LLC | $442,938,114.30 |
| 3 | Sausgobi Sands LLC GHO | $396,638,415.31 |
| 4 | 🔒 Unlock Mongolia Top Coal Exporter 2025 Trade Data | $214,981,669.09 |
| 5 | $126,598,440.47 | |
| 6 | $118,829,280.58 |
Mongolia entered 2025 with strong ambitions, positioning itself among Asia’s key coal exporters by targeting 100 million tonnes of coal shipments to China. This plan highlights a case of high volume volatility combined with structural dependence, as export outcomes hinge on cross-border rail capacity, border clearance efficiency, and sustained Chinese demand.
The strategy relies heavily on new rail links intended to add 30 million tonnes of capacity from the Tavan-Tolgoi coal basin, Mongolia’s most valuable mining asset, leaving both export volume and value highly exposed to infrastructure constraints and a single dominant market.
Early results showed mixed performance.
From January to May, Mongolia exported 31.78 million tonnes, slightly below the previous year. In the first four months, shipments reached 25 million tonnes, but export value dropped sharply due to global price weakness. The volatility underscored Mongolia’s heavy reliance on China, which consistently absorbs around 90% of its coal, primarily high-quality coking coal used in steelmaking.
- China’s demand strength remained critical, but fluctuated with steel output and inventory cycles.
- Tavan-Tolgoi remained the backbone of the export strategy, supplying most of the premium coking coal.
- Global price swings made revenue unstable even when volumes held steady.
Conclusion
The 2025 landscape of coal exporting countries reveals a clear split in global competitiveness. Kazakhstan leads decisively with US$35.37B in coal exports, more than half of the global value, while Indonesia follows with US$21.64B, strengthened by regional power demand. Russia holds US$6.67B despite sanctions and logistics barriers, and Colombia (US$2.93B), along with Mongolia (US$2.45B) sustain steady output through diversified buyers. Together, these figures show how policy, geography, and market access shape each country’s trade position.
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FAQ
1. Which country exports the most coal in 2025?
Based on TradeInt’s global coal export data for H1 2025, Kazakhstan exports the most coal in 2025 by export value, reaching US$35.37 billion in the first half of the year and accounting for over 50% of global coal export value.
You can also: Discover Kazakhstan’s import and export summary
2. Which country is the biggest importer of coal?
China is the largest coal importer globally, sourcing coal from countries such as Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Russia, Mongolia, and Australia to support energy and steel production.
You can also: Search China’s coal import trade records
3. How can exporters verify coal buyers and partners with TradeInt?
Exporters can verify buyers and partners using TradeInt by reviewing historical shipment records, buyer–seller relationships, export volumes, HS codes, and port activity using global trade data platforms.
You can also: Search global coal buyers or trade partners
4. How do trade data tools like TradeInt help exporters?
TradeInt helps exporters identify active global buyers, track real shipment activity, analyze demand by country, monitor competitors, and prioritize markets using verified trade flows instead of assumptions.
Ready to expand your coal international trade with data-driven insights? Book a free TradeInt platform demo today.
