Vietnam exported coal to the tune of US$16 million in March, down from US$21 million in February, a change of -21.74 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Year to date, Vietnam had exported US$50 million worth of coal by the end of March.
South Africa followed, also taking US$5 million in March. Year to date, Vietnam has shipped US$5 million worth of coal to South Africa.
Indonesia imported US$4 million worth of coal in March, down from US$8 million in February, a decline of 51.86 percent. Year to date, Vietnam has shipped US$15 million worth of coal to Indonesia.
Japan took US$1 million worth of coal in March, down from US$7 million in February, a decline of 84.03 percent. Year to date, Vietnam has shipped US$12 million worth of coal to Japan.
Thailand rounded out the top five with US$1 million in March, down from US$2 million in February, a decline of 68.10 percent. Year to date, Vietnam has shipped US$4 million worth of coal to Thailand.
Listed coal companies
Key coal firms listed on the Vietnam stock exchange include:
Pha Lai Thermal Power JSC (PPC)
Pha Lai Thermal Power JSC (PPC) operates coal-fired power plants generating electricity for northern Vietnam. (PPC)
In March, PPC shares moved from 10.10 to 10.55, a change of 0.45 (4.46%).
Foreign ownership moved from 1,449,946.22 to 1,448,206.27, a change of -1,739.95 (-0.12%).
PetroVietnam Power Corporation (POW)
PetroVietnam Power Corporation (POW) operates gas, coal, and hydropower plants supplying electricity to the national grid. (POW)
In March, POW shares moved from 14.50 to 13.00, a change of -1.50 (-10.34%).
Foreign ownership moved from 12,556,950.91 to 14,457,088.21, a change of 1,900,137.30 (15.13%).
Explore opening a trading account in Vietnam→
Vietnam coal news
Recent developments in coal in Vietnam include:
Korea-Japan thermal power plant project online
The Vung Ang II Thermal Power Plant, a US$2.2 billion Japan–South Korea-backed project, has been inaugurated in Ha Tinh, marking the start of operations for the 1,200 megawatt coal-fired facility.
Developed under a build-operate-transfer model, the project is led by Mitsubishi Corporation with a 60 percent stake and Korea Electric Power Corporation holding 40 percent.
The plant is currently operating at nearly 90 percent capacity, the article notes. Read more→
Coal production in March
Vietnam produced 4,280.72 thousand tonnes of coal in March, up 45.59 percent from 2,940.21 thousand tonnes in February 2026, according to the National Statistics Office. Read more→
See the latest Vietnam news headlines→
Vietnam’s coal industry
Vietnam’s coal industry is dominated by the state-owned Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group (Vinacomin), alongside Dong Bac Corporation, supplying fuel primarily for power generation.
Coal production is concentrated in the northern provinces, particularly Quang Ninh, with output largely geared toward meeting rising domestic energy demand.
Despite being a producer, Vietnam has become a net coal importer in recent years, driven by rapid growth in coal-fired power capacity.
The sector is undergoing gradual restructuring as the government balances energy security, import reliance, and long-term transition goals.
Find out about starting a business in Vietnam→
The data
Vietnam exports of coal in March, 2026 US$m
| March | February | MoM | YTD | |
| Total | 16.10 | 20.57 | -21.74% | 50.09 |
| Other | 0.02 | 3.17 | -99.44% | 4.19 |
| Philippines | 5.42 | 0.00 | 0.00% | 9.95 |
| South Africa | 4.54 | 0.00 | 0.00% | 4.54 |
| Indonesia | 3.84 | 7.99 | -51.86% | 14.79 |
| Japan | 1.16 | 7.27 | -84.03% | 12.50 |
| Thailand | 0.69 | 2.15 | -68.10% | 3.69 |
| Laos | 0.43 | 0.00 | 0.00% | 0.43 |