US Coal Exports Drop 11% — Tariffs & Lower Demand Top Reasons - CleanTechnica

US coal exports declined by approximately 11% in the first half of 2025, with key factors including tariffs imposed during Donald Trump’s presidency and weakening global demand. Specifically, exports to China, historically the largest buyer, dropped significantly after China enacted import restrictions on US coal in early 2025. China accounted for roughly 70% of the overall decline in US coal exports, impacting both metallurgical and steam coal categories. The global coal market is also characterized by oversupply and soft demand, further contributing to reduced US coal exports. Domestically, US coal consumption for electricity generation has decreased due to shifting demand and competition from cheaper natural gas and renewable energy sources. Globally, renewable energy capacity additions have outpaced coal, signaling a structural decline in coal demand. Notably, China’s coal-fired electricity generation fell sharply in early 2025 despite rising electricity demand, indicating a significant shift away from coal in the world’s largest coal-consuming economy. The article emphasizes that coal, as an