India’s Growing Coal Imports: Trends, Insights, and Key Players in 2024


India, one of the world's fastest-growing economies, is experiencing an ever-increasing demand for energy. Despite global efforts to transition toward cleaner energy, coal remains a cornerstone of India’s energy infrastructure. With the nation holding the fifth-largest coal reserves, its dependency on both domestic production and imports continues to rise.

In this article, we explore the coal imports in India, analyze recent coal import data, examine the top coal importers in India, and share insights on global trade dynamics relevant to the Indian market.

The Role of Coal in India's Energy Landscape

Coal is still the backbone of India’s electricity generation. Although renewable energy is on the rise, coal-powered thermal plants produce over 70% of the country’s electricity. In 2023–24, India’s domestic coal production rose to 997.26 million metric tons, showing an 11.65% growth compared to the previous year. However, this increased output has not significantly reduced imports due to the lower quality of Indian coal and rising demand from core industries like steel, cement, and power generation.

Why Are Coal Imports in India Rising?

Despite being a major coal producer, India is also the second-largest importer of coal globally, accounting for 17.5% of worldwide coal imports. In FY 2023–24, India’s coal imports were valued at USD 49.10 billion, an increase of 7.7% over the previous fiscal year. This rising trend is driven by several key factors:

  • Increased electricity demand due to industrial and urban growth

  • Lower calorific value of Indian coal, requiring imports to bridge quality gaps

  • Rapid industrialization and infrastructure development across the country

These factors highlight the complex balance between domestic production and external sourcing in India's energy strategy.

Coal Import Data: 2023–2024 Overview

According to recent coal import data, India imported 268.24 million metric tons of coal in 2023–24, marking an 8% growth from the previous year. Notably:

  • Coking coal imports rose by 6%, reaching 57.89 million metric tons

  • Non-coking coal imports saw a 2% increase

  • Overall coal imports in July 2024 surged by 15.9%, hitting 21.81 million metric tons, compared to 18.82 million metric tons in July 2023

This consistent growth underscores the increasing reliance on imported coal to support various industries.

Types of Coal Imported into India

India imports all four major types of coal:

  • Lignite – Mostly used in electricity generation due to its abundance

  • Bituminous coal – A versatile source used in power and steel manufacturing

  • Coking coal – Crucial for iron and steel production, requiring low sulfur content

  • Anthracite and Subbituminous coal – Used in specialized applications and power generation

The demand for each type varies depending on industrial use and availability.

Top Coal Importers in India

Some of the largest coal importers in India play a pivotal role in ensuring energy security and uninterrupted industrial operations. These include:

  • Agarwal Coal, recognized globally as the largest coal importer

  • SAIL (Steel Authority of India Limited)

  • JSW Steel Ltd.

  • Tata International

  • Modi Coal Pvt. Ltd.

  • Rashtriya Ispat Nigam

  • SRG Group

  • Steelmint

  • Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd.

  • Anil Anand Coal Company

These companies not only supply coal to major industries but also significantly influence the pricing, logistics, and quality benchmarks within the domestic coal market.

Global Leaders in Coal Imports

India holds the second position in global coal imports, following closely behind Japan. Other top importers include:

  • China

  • South Korea

  • Taiwan

  • Vietnam

  • Germany

  • Netherlands

  • Turkey

  • Malaysia

Each of these countries has unique energy requirements, but like India, they rely heavily on coal to meet large-scale industrial and energy demands. These figures are crucial for traders tracking Uganda Import Export Data and Kenya Import Data to assess opportunities in emerging markets.

HS Codes for Coal Imports

When analyzing coal import data, understanding the HS (Harmonized System) codes is critical for classification and compliance. Key HS codes for coal imports in India include:

  • 27011100 – Anthracite coal, non-agglomerated

  • 27011200 – Bituminous coal

  • 27011910 – Coking coal

  • 27011920 – Steam coal

  • 270120 – Briquettes and similar solid fuels

These codes help traders and importers track shipments, ensure regulatory compliance, and conduct market research.

India’s Coal Market Forecast

India’s coal market is poised for rapid growth, projected to expand from 0.97 billion tons in 2024 to 1.40 billion tons by 2029, at a CAGR of 7.57%. This growth is fueled by:

  • Massive expansion in power generation capacity

  • Continuous industrialization

  • High reliance on fossil fuels in manufacturing

This makes it critical for both domestic and international stakeholders to track coal imports in India and leverage real-time insights from platforms like Eximpedia.app.

Accessing Reliable Coal Import Data

Accurate, timely data is the key to staying competitive. Eximpedia.app offers trusted coal import data for over 130 countries, including India. Users can access comprehensive information on:

  • Shipment trends

  • Leading coal importers in India

  • HS code classifications

  • Market demand and value estimates

Whether you're analyzing Kenya Import Data or assessing opportunities with Indian steel giants, platforms like Eximpedia empower you with data that informs better trade decisions.

Final Thoughts

The demand for coal in India remains strong, with imports growing consistently despite increased domestic output. Strategic sourcing, robust data analytics, and an understanding of global trade dynamics are essential to succeed in this evolving market.

India’s reliance on coal will continue in the near term, particularly for industries with no immediate clean-energy alternatives. With the support of data-rich platforms like Eximpedia.app, businesses can optimize sourcing, discover new trade opportunities, and manage risks associated with coal imports in India.

If you need the latest data on coal importers in India, updated coal import data, or want to explore shipments across countries like Uganda and Kenya, connect with the Eximpedia team for a free demo today.

Location: India

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