Rise of Coal Imports in India: Implications For Energy Security

Key highlights:

• Lignite coal, bituminous coal, subbituminous coal, and anthracite coal are the top coal categories in the market for Indian coal imports. 
• Based on coal import data, coal imports in India stood at 268.24 million metric tonnes in the financial year 2024, which is 7.7% higher than last year. 
• The top coal importing countries are Japan, India, China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
• Agarwal Coal (India) is the largest coal importer in the world. Other top coal importers in India include Modi Coal Private Ltd., Anil Anand Coal Company, Steelmint, Tata International, and SRG Group. 
• The top coal Hs codes are 270111, 270112, 270119 and 270120.

As coal is the most traditional and oldest source of energy, coal will continue to be a vital component of the world's energy system. It continues to hold a sizable share in the markets for fuel and energy sources even with the introduction of numerous forms of energy sources. 

India boasts the world's fifth-largest coal reserves. During 2023–24, in India, domestic coal production increased to 997.26 million metric tons, thereby growth of 11.65% over the last financial year.  Because of the high demand and low quality of Indian coal, India is forced to import coal. The second-largest importer of coal is India. 17.5% of all coal imports worldwide came from India.

In this blog, we offer a detailed analysis of coal imports in India and a list of coal importers in India. Moreover, we will examine leading coal importing countries and other related statistics. 

How Big is the Indian Coal Market?

The coal market in India is expected to grow from 0.97 billion tons in 2024 to 1.40 billion tons by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.57%.

Factors Driving the Growth of the Coal Market in India:

• Coal consumption rises to increase power generation capacity
• The growing demand for electricity increases the demand for coal
• Rapid growth in industrial and infrastructural development activities

What Are the 4 Main Types of Coal?

In India, all these mentioned coals are the main coal imports in India:

• Lignite Coal: It represents the largest portion of the world's coal reserves, mainly used in electricity generation. 
• Bituminous coal: It is used to generate electricity and as a raw material for making coking coal in the steel industry. Coking coal is used to smelt iron and must be low in sulfur and phosphorus. 
• Anthracite coal: It is used in domestic applications and specialized industrial uses that require smokeless fuels. 
• Subbituminous coal: It is used to generate steam for electricity in power plants and can be converted into petroleum and gas.

Indian Coal Import Data: 2023-24

Indian coal imports in 2023-2024 are expected to be 268.24 million metric tons (MT), which is an 8% increase from the previous year.

As per coal import data, coking coal imports in India increased 6% in the financial year 2023-24 (FY'24) to 57.89 million metric tons as compared to 54.45 in FY'23.

Notably, Indian coal imports fell 2.6% during this period, while imports of non-coking coal rose 2%. Coal imports increased by 15.9% in July 2024 alone, reaching 21.81 MT from 18.82 MT in July 2023.

Why Are Coal Imports in India Increasing?

Based on coal import data, Indian coal imports stood at US $49.10 billions in the financial year 2024, which is 7.7% higher than last year. 

Being a developing nation, India has been the top coal importer in the world after Japan.

Since the beginning of industrialization, coal has been a vital component of fuel for all nations.

Coal was the primary fuel used by the United States and all other western nations during the Industrial Revolution. 

But due to the lower cost of coal, it has been a crucial energy resource for developing nations like India, while developed nations are looking for clean fuel alternatives. 

What is the Rank of India in Coal Imports?

India ranks second in terms of coal imports. Additionally, here is the list of the top coal importers with the import value: 

So the largest of coal is Japan, with an import value of  $60.34 billion.  The above-listed countries are highly dependent on coal for their energy source. To get the list of top coal importers in India and data on Indian coal imports, visit Eximpedia.app.

What Are the Leading Hs Codes for Coal?

Here is the list of trending categories of HS codes for Indian coal imports: 

As you can see on the list, there are varieties of  coal HS codes as per the nature or kind of coal. To get a detailed list, check our dedicated page on HS codes of coal on Eximpedia.app. Additionally, connect with us to get the most recent data on coal imports in India. 

What Are the Top 10 Coal Importers in India?

Here is the list of top coal importers in India: 

• Agarwal Coal
• Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)
• Modi Coal Private Ltd.
• Anil Anand Coal Company
• Steelmint
• Tata International
• SRG Group
• Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd.
• Rashtriya Ispat Nigam
• JSW Steel Ltd.

Agarwal Coal, an India-based company, is the largest coal importer in the world.  Additionally, all of the list of coal importers in India meet the large portion of the demand for coal of domestic industries that depend on it for their daily operations. To get a detailed list of the shipment value of all the biggest coal importers, coal import data, coal imports in India, and more coal importing countries, visit Eximpedia.app. 

How Do I Find Indian Coal Import Statistics?

Eximpedia.app is a well-known import export data provider, providing trade data for more than 130 countries. 

Here, you can find elaborated coal import data that is easy to understand and use. By exploring coal import data at Eximpedia.app, you can leverage this invaluable information to identify new opportunities, new buyers, and suppliers and capitalize on the booming Indian coal imports market. 

The Final Remarks!

So, the market's growth is being driven by the increasing local demand for coal in India. However, careful preparation and expert sourcing will be needed to handle import variances, competitive pricing, and possible surplus situations. 

Indian coal importers need to prioritise quality, keep up with industry developments, and conduct due diligence on potential coal suppliers to successfully navigate this dynamic market.

Finally, if you have any questions related to Indian coal imports, coal importers in India, or coal import data, please contact our team to set up a free live demo right away!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where does India import its coal from?

As per coal import data, India imports coal from many countries, including Indonesia, South Africa, Australia, Russia, and the United States. 

2. Which is the top coal importer in India?

As per coal importer data, Agarwal Coal is India's biggest coal importer. Other significant importers in India include Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), Modi Coal Private Ltd., Anil Anand Coal Company, and Steelmint and Tata International.

3. Where does India get most of its coal from?

Based on coal import data, India imports most of its coal from Indonesia, South Africa, and Australia.

4. What is the rank of India in coal imports?

As per coal import in India statistics, India is the second largest coal importer in the world, after China.

5. Which is the No. 1 coal company in India?

Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) is the No. 1 coal company in India. Other top companies include SECL, ECL, SCCL

6. Which companies sell coal in India?

As per coal import in India statistics, Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited, Ranchi., and and Coal India Limited (CIL) are the top of India’s steel import sources.

Coal imports in India

Coal imports in India from Indonesia

Coal imports in India from South Africa

Coal imports in India from Australia