Japan continued to be the largest export market of Vietnamese coal in the first six months of this year, with a volume of 56,093 tonnes valued at US$15.7 million.

However, the export to this market was down 41 per cent in volume and 53 per cent in value compared to the same period last year. The export price to Japan was $280 per cent, down 21 per cent over the same period in 2023.

The second largest market was the Philippines, reaching 49,660 tonnes valued at $11 million, a sudden increase of 32,571 per cent in volume and 17,862 per cent in value year on year.

In June alone, Việt Nam exported 27,000 tonnes of coal to this market, equivalent to more than $6 million. The export price to this market was $223 per tonne, down 45 per cent over the same period. This island nation did not import coal in June 2023.

The Netherlands was the third largest export market of Vietnamese coal in the first half, with 22,843 tonnes, worth $7.3 million. The export price reached $320 per tonne, much higher than the average price of all export markets.

According to the General Department of Customs, in the first six months of the year, Việt Nam exported 211,573 tonnes, earning $59 million, up 2.1 per cent in volume but down 24.1 per cent in value compared to the same period in 2023.

The average export price reached $279 per tonne, down 25.6 per cent over the same period last year.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade said Southeast Asian countries' coal import increase was due to higher demand of coal for production activities, especially thermal power. While, hydropower is facing difficulties due to the impact of the El Nino, causing record hot weather. — VNS