Coal production in Vietnam in September 2025 up 15.32 percent

Vietnam’s coal production rose 15.32 percent month-on-month to 3,417 thousand tonnes in September 2025, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.

Year-on-year, output increased sharply by 62.67 percent, while cumulative production for the first nine months of 2025 reached 34,392 million tonnes, up 5.83 percent from the same period last year.

Conversely, coal imports fell 7.87 percent from August to 3,958 thousand tonnes, indicating weaker import demand amid stronger domestic production.

Exports dropped steeply by 73.48 percent to just 111 thousand tonnes, continuing a trend of subdued outbound shipments.

Coal plays a critical role in Vietnam’s energy system and industrial base.

The country produces both anthracite and bituminous coal, primarily from mines in Quang Ninh, Thai Nguyen, and the Red River Delta, with Vinacomin (Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group) as the dominant producer.

Most domestic output is used for power generation, cement, and metallurgy.

Despite being a producer, Vietnam has become a major coal importer due to rising electricity demand and declining high-quality reserves.

Imports mainly come from Australia, Indonesia, and Russia to supply thermal power plants.

Coal consumption has surged alongside industrial growth, making it one of the key drivers of carbon emissions.

The government’s revised Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8) outlines a gradual reduction of coal’s share in energy generation after 2030, with increased focus on renewables and LNG.

However, given infrastructure and energy security needs, coal remains essential in Vietnam’s energy mix for the near term.

See also: How Electricity in Vietnam Works (2025): Shortages, Pricing, Regulations & More

Vietnam coal production data, September 2025 (000 tonnes)