In the first 3 months of the year, Vietnam spent more than 1.8 billion USD importing cheap coal.

Vietnam spent more than 1.8 billion USD to import 17.27 million tons of coal in the first 3 months of 2025, showing that domestic coal consumption demand remains high.

Domestic coal consumption remains high (illustrative photo)

According to the General Department of Customs, coal imports in the first quarter of this year increased by 16.7% compared to the same period last year, but turnover decreased by 7.7% because the average import price only reached 105.18 USD per ton, down more than 20%.

The fact that prices have decreased but import volume has increased shows that domestic coal consumption demand remains high, especially in the context that thermal power still accounts for a large proportion of the national energy system.

Indonesia continued to be the largest coal supplier to Vietnam, accounting for more than 40% of total imports in the first quarter. Coal output from Indonesia reached 6.98 million tons, worth 579 million USD, a sharp increase in both volume and value. The average import price from Indonesia fluctuated around 82.9 USD per ton, lower than the general level.

Australia ranked second with more than 5.36 million tons, worth 693.7 million USD, accounting for 31% of the import proportion. Although the volume increased sharply, the turnover decreased because the average price was only 129.3 USD per ton.

Russia was the third largest partner, supplying 1.44 million tons of coal, worth more than $206 million. While the volume increased slightly, the price fell nearly 28%, to $142.3 a ton.

Vietnam has to import coal despite being a long-standing producer of this commodity because domestic supply does not meet quality requirements. Most of the coal mined domestically plays an auxiliary role, suitable for cement or small-scale production. Meanwhile, modern thermal power requires coal with high calorific value, uniformity and few impurities.

On the other hand, as domestic easily exploitable reserves are gradually depleted, many mines are forced to dig deeper, increasing costs and reducing efficiency. Meanwhile, importing cheap coal helps businesses be flexible in supply while saving production costs.

This year, Vietnam is expected to produce about 37 million tons of clean coal, while demand is up to 50 million tons, mainly serving thermal power plants. Therefore, Vietnam continues to increase imports, especially thermal coal from Indonesia and Australia.

TB (summary)

Source: https://baohaiduong.vn/3-thang-dau-nam-viet-nam-chi-hon-1-8-ty-usd-nhap-khau-than-gia-re-410816.html