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Writer's pictureAvi Shaposhnik

Coal - July 2023 (1Q23)

Updated: Aug 7, 2023

The U.S. coal industry showed mixed trends in the first quarter of 2023. Coal production during this period reached 148.7 million short tons (MMst), representing a 2.1% increase from the previous quarter but a slight 0.2% decrease from the first quarter of 2022. The Western region accounted for about 54.1% of total U.S. coal production in Q1 2023, with a production of 80.4 MMst, showing a 5.4% decline compared to the first quarter of the previous year.

On the export front, U.S. coal exports in the first quarter of 2023 reached 24.6 MMst, experiencing a significant increase of 17.2% from the previous quarter. The average price of U.S. coal exports during this period was $177.89 per short ton. The United States continued to import coal mainly from Colombia (67.8%) and Canada (14.8%), with no imports recorded from Australia or Indonesia. Coal imports in the first quarter totaled 1.0 MMst, with an average price of $147.05 per short ton, the highest quarterly price recorded since at least 2000.


Coal consumption in the U.S. during Q1 2023 totaled 100.3 MMst, showing a notable 13.4% decrease from the previous quarter and a significant 25% decrease from the first quarter of 2022. The electric power sector accounted for about 89.5% of the total coal consumption during this period.


Coal stocks also witnessed substantial growth in the first quarter of 2023, reaching 134.1 MMst from 112.0 MMst at the end of the previous quarter, marking a 19.7% increase. Notably, stocks in the electric power sector increased to 110.1 MMst, the highest level since the fourth quarter of 2020.


The information provided in this market insight is for general informational purposes and should not be considered as financial advice. It is not intended to offer any financial recommendations or endorsements. Any decisions made based on the content are the sole responsibility of the reader.

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