China Coal Market Size and Share Outlook Report: Forecast Trends and Growth Analysis (2026-2035)

Key Trends in the Market

Coal is a combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock formed from organic matter, primarily plant material, that has undergone geological processes over millions of years. It is one of the most abundant fossil fuels and has been a vital energy source for centuries. It has been a major source of electricity generation worldwide due to its abundance and relatively low cost.

• Coal has been a cornerstone of China's energy mix for decades, providing the bulk of the country's energy needs, contributing to approximately 77% of the country’s primary energy production and powering around 80% of its electricity needs. The China coal market growth is propelled by the rapid industrialisation and economic growth. Despite efforts to diversify, China remains heavily reliant on coal due to its sheer energy demand, driven by industrialisation, urbanisation, and economic expansion.

• Owing to the reliance on coal for energy generation, government agencies and private organisations are increasingly investing in advanced technologies and are focusing on improving the accountability and transparency of the Chinese coal mining sector. The development of technologies, such as carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS), is one of the key trends in the Chinese coal market. These technologies aim to mitigate environmental impacts by reducing emissions from coal-fired power plants.

• China is both a major importer and producer of coal. Reportedly, the country imported 43.51 million tons of coal in November 2023, registering a growth of 34.7% compared to the last  year. The record-high numbers came after the country ended a ban on Australian coal shipments in January 2023.  However, increasing emphasis on renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, aiming to diversify the energy mix and reduce reliance on coal, is expected to significantly impact the China coal market demand.

China Coal Market Segmentation

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Market Share by Type

According to the analysis of coal market in China, bituminous coal is likely to find wide applications across industries compared to its counterparts. It holds a prominent position due to its versatile applications, moderate energy content, and suitability for various industrial and domestic purposes. Bituminous coal accounts for a significant portion of China's overall coal consumption and is primarily used for electricity generation, industrial processes, heating, and manufacturing.

Market Share by Technology

The prominent use of underground mining methods to acquire coal is likely to significantly influence the China’s coal market value during the forecast period. Underground mining is the primary technique used to extract coal due to the substantial reserves found beneath the surface. However, surface mining techniques like open-pit mining or strip mining are also employed in specific regions where the coal seams are closer to the surface.

Competitive Landscape

Other major coal producers in China include Shanxi Coking Coal Group Co., Ltd., State Power Investment Corporation Limited, Yankuang Energy Group Company Limited, Huaibei Mining Holdings Co., Ltd., Shaanxi Coal and Chemical Industry Group Co., Ltd., Huaneng Power International Ltd., and China Resources Power Holdings Co. Ltd.