China’s coal imports fall to 3-year seasonal low in May’25 despite looming summer power demand

China’s coal imports dropped to 36Mt in May’25, marking a -17.8% YoY and -4.7% MoM decline — the lowest seasonal level in three years.

Data visualisation of China’s monthly thermal coal and lignite imports from January to May 2025, compared to 2024 and 2023 levels, shown in million tonnes. The chart highlights a 17.8% year-on-year drop in May 2025, reaching the lowest seasonal level in three years at 36 Mt. It also illustrates the 5-year historical import range for context. Presented in IFCHOR GALBRAITHS brand colours and consistent with IG’s visual identity.

This brings Jan–May’25 imports to 189Mt, down -8% YoY. The contraction reflects a surge in domestic output and a collapse in domestic 5,500 kcal/kg NAR thermal coal prices to a 4-year low of 632元/t, undermining the competitiveness of imports even as global prices remain weak. A combination of oversupply, subdued industrial demand, and growing renewable generation — now reaching 40% of total electricity output in 2025 — continues to displace coal-fired generation and suppress import demand.

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