Key Highlights:
India is now a major player in the global coal market, having transformed its coal export industry into a vital part of the global energy scene in recent years. The future of international fossil fuel trade is being shaped by India's coal exports, which are impacting not only the global energy dynamics but also the country's vast reserves and dynamic energy strategy.
In 2024, coal export from India could be very profitable, but they also come with a lot of requirements, like being legally compliant, understanding market insights like the coal exporters list, and careful planning. However, with this blog, India's increasing coal exports, their effects on the world energy markets, and the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
Coal, which has historically been a key component of India's energy strategy, is one of the world's four largest reserves. Approximately 70% of the nation's electricity is produced using coal, which is a major source of power generation.
India's internal coal demand is still high as the country grows and becomes more industrialized. Nonetheless, the expansion of India's coal export industry signifies a tactical change in the way the country uses its natural resources.
India is the world's second-largest producer and consumer of coal, behind China. India has a lengthy history of coal mining; 777.31 million metric tons were taken out in FY 2022.
Dhanbad, known as the "coal capital," produces a significant amount of coal. India still depends on coal for 55% of its energy needs, meaning that the country's energy landscape is dependent on it.
India has the potential to be a major player in the world coal market thanks to its coal reserves. Coal traders are seeing an increase in export opportunities as the nation's infrastructure improves and domestic demand levels stabilize.
Did you know? Coal is under Open General Licence (OGL) list. Additionally, India exports coal to its neighbors in order to meet their coal needs.
Nonetheless, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal are the usual purchasers of Indian coal. According to the treaty between the two nations, exports to Nepal and Bhutan are made in rupees, and exports to Bangladesh are made in US dollars.
The Mineral and Metal Trading Corporation was formerly used to channel coal exports to neighboring countries, but in recent years, this process has been decanonized.
Also read: Edible Oil Export from India
CIL exports coal by means of a tender process. 12,650 metric tons of coal were sold by CIL to its neighboring countries between 2002 and 2003. 35,831 metric tons (provisional) of coal were exported by CIL in 2003–2004.
Source: https://coal.gov.in
Let’s explore the table that shows the information on coal export from India along with the names of the leading coal exporters from that country.
| Coal Export from India: 2023-24 | Coal Export Data |
| Total Indian coal exports | 1.163 million metric tons |
| Major Export Destinations | Nepal, Bangladesh |
| Coal HS Code | 2701, 27011200, 27011910 |
India's coal exports over the last ten years are contrasted in the following table based on both quantity and value:
| Year |
Indian Coal Exports Quantity (million tonnes) |
Coal Export Data Value (US$ million) |
| 2013-14 | 2.188 | 181.52 |
| 2014-15 | 1.238 | 117.09 |
| 2015-16 | 1.575 | 137.66 |
| 2016-17 | 1.773 | 144.18 |
| 2017-18 | 1.504 | 136.47 |
| 2018-19 | 1.306 | 136.66 |
| 2019-20 | 1.03 | 81.17 |
| 2020-21 | 2.945 | 77.73 |
| 2021-22 | 1.316 | 149.79 |
| 2022-23 | 1.163 | 184.99 |
Based on coal export data from India, India exported 1.316 million metric tons of coal in 2021–2022. But for US$ 184.99 million in 2022–2023, it only shipped 1.163 million MT. This suggests a decrease in quantity compared to the prior year but an increase in value due to a rise in coal prices globally.
However, Nepal (0.833 MT) and Bangladesh (0.245 MT) were the two largest coal exporters. Additionally, a massive quantity of coal was exported through the ports of Nautanwa (0.185 MT) and Raxaul Land (0.382 MT). Therefore, get in touch with Eximpedia.app if you require the most recent data on coal export from India, the list of top coal exporters, or the main coal HS codes.
Also read:
What is thermal coal? When will India export thermal coal?
Steps to Establish a Tobacco Export Business from India
India is the top-ranked country in the world; the following countries are its closest rivals based on total shipments: These are the top coal exporting countries.
| Top Rank | The Biggest Exporters of Coal | Coal Export Data (Export Values in %) |
| 1 | Indonesia | $104.30 billion |
| 2 | Australia | $83.30 billion |
| 3 | Russia | $43.45 billion |
| 4 | USA | $17.26 billion |
| 5 | South Africa | $13.03 billion |
| 6 | China | $10.79 billion |
| 7 | Colombia | 10.50 billion |
| 8 | Mongolia | $6.51 billion |
| 9 | Netherlands | $2.18 billion |
| 10 | Mozambique | $2.03 billion |
Thus, Indonesia is thought to be the world's biggest supplier of coal. Still, these are the leading exporters of coal. Also, connect with the Eximpedia platform to get the most recent coal HS code or coal export by country right away if you need the most recent data on exports of coal from India or coal exporters in India.
Here is a quick rundown of some of the top coal exporters in India.
These are the top coal exporters from India, demonstrating the diverse range of capabilities within the sector. Explore our unique platform instead if you are searching for a coal supplier, importer, coal HS code, or coal exporters worldwide.
Eximpedia’s data-driven platform shows a list of coal exports from India together with global coal import and export data. More than 130 countries receive our accurate and up-to-date information on international trade.
Furthermore, our group of extremely skilled and knowledgeable data specialists has a wealth of data processing expertise. Our specialty is providing the most accurate and organized insights about commodities related to coal.
The rise of India as a coal exporter signifies a dramatic change in the world energy scene. India is bolstering its position as a major player in the global coal market in addition to satisfying the world's energy demands by utilizing its enormous deposits and improving production capacities.
However, the future of India’s coal exports will be shaped by its ability to adapt to these challenges and seize the opportunities presented by a dynamic global market.
Eximpedia can help you expand your company in the international commerce sphere by giving you access to the coal HS code, a list of coal export from India, coal export by country, and coal export data. Now schedule a free live demo!
Q1. Who is the world's biggest exporter of coal?
Based on coal export data, the largest coal exporters are Indonesia, Australia, Russia, the USA, and South Africa. To know the exact coal export insights, connect with Eximpedia.app.
Q2. Where does Nepal import coal from?
The top destinations for coal export from India to Nepal are India, Australia, South Africa, Indonesia, and the USA.
Q3. Who are the top 5 producers of coal in the world?
The top 5 producers of coal in the world are China, India, Australia, Indonesia,, and the USA.
Q4. Where does India export coal to?
As per coal export data, India exports coal to neighboring countries, including Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan.
Coal export from India to the USA
Coal export from India to the Netherlands
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