China Increased Imports of Russian Coal.

In March 2025, China increased its imports of coal from Russia by 6%, reaching a volume of 7.33 million metric tons. This is according to data released by the General Administration of Customs of China.

Despite logistical constraints and Western sanctions, Russia continues to boost coal supplies to China. Meanwhile, imports from Indonesia, which is the largest supplier of coal to the PRC, fell by 9% to 17.96 million tons.

Experts link the decline in imports from Indonesia to a new pricing policy - starting from March 1, the country began to use the government-established reference price for coal as the minimum for all transactions.

Overall, in March, China reduced its coal imports by 6%, which is explained by high stockpiles at ports and weak domestic demand. As a result, spot prices for coal fell to the lowest level in the last four years.

The situation in the coal market reflects current trends in the Chinese economy and changes in global energy resource trade flows.