Vietnam imported coal to the tune of US$539 million in February, down from US$669 million in January, a change of -19.52 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Year to date, Vietnam had imported US$1,210 million worth of coal by the end of February.
Australia accounted for US$215 million worth of Vietnam’s coal imports in February. This was down from US$310 million in January, a change of 30.82 percent. Year to date, Australia has shipped US$527 million worth of coal to Vietnam.
Indonesia followed, supplying US$168 million worth of coal to Vietnam in February. This was down from US$187 million in January, a change of 10.13 percent. Year to date, Indonesia has shipped US$354 million worth of coal to Vietnam.
Russia was next, contributing US$86 million worth of Vietnam’s coal imports in February. This was up from US$75 million in January, a change of 14.36 percent. Year to date, Russia has shipped US$161 million worth of coal to Vietnam.
China accounted for US$6 million worth of Vietnam’s coal imports in February. This was down from US$8 million in January, a change of 19.51 percent. Year to date, China has shipped US$14 million worth of coal to Vietnam.
Laos rounded out the top five suppliers, constituting US$4 million worth of Vietnam’s coal imports in February. This was down from US$10 million in January, a change of 56.82 percent. Year to date, Laos has shipped US$14 million worth of coal to Vietnam.
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Listed coal companies
Key coal firms listed on the Vietnam stock exchange include:
PetroVietnam Power Corporation (POW)
PetroVietnam Power Corporation (POW) operates gas, coal, and hydropower plants supplying electricity to the national grid. (POW)
In February, POW shares moved from 13.75 to 14.50, a change of 0.75 (0.05 percent). Foreign ownership moved from 12,497,336.62 to 12,556,950.91, a change of 59,614.29 (0.00 percent).
Pha Lai Thermal Power JSC (PPC)
Pha Lai Thermal Power JSC (PPC) operates coal-fired power plants generating electricity for northern Vietnam. (PPC)
In February, PPC shares moved from 10.05 to 10.10, a change of 0.05 (0.00 percent). Foreign ownership moved from 1,450,608.76 to 1,449,946.22, a change of -662.54 (0.00 percent).
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Vietnam coal news
Recent developments include:
Coal imports in January
Vietnam imported coal to the tune of US$669 million in January, up from US$497 million in December, a change of 34.57 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read more→
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Vietnam’s coal industry
Coal remains a core component of Vietnam’s energy system, supplying the majority of fuel used in the country’s thermal power plants.
Domestic production is concentrated in Quảng Ninh province and is dominated by state-owned Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group (Vinacomin) and Dong Bac Corporation.
Despite large reserves, Vietnam has become a major coal importer over the past decade as power demand has outpaced domestic output.
Coal is expected to remain an important part of the country’s energy mix in the near term, even as the government gradually expands renewable energy capacity and explores alternative fuels such as LNG.
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The data
Vietnam imports of coal in February, US$m
| February | January | MoM | YTD | |
| Total | 538.64 | 669.27 | -19.52% | 1,209.79 |
| Other | 59.93 | 79.72 | -24.82% | 139.64 |
| Australia | 214.52 | 310.09 | -30.82% | 526.86 |
| Indonesia | 167.64 | 186.53 | -10.13% | 353.77 |
| Russia | 85.89 | 75.10 | 14.36% | 161.02 |
| China | 6.29 | 7.81 | -19.51% | 14.10 |
| Laos | 4.33 | 10.02 | -56.82% | 14.34 |
| Malaysia | 0.05 | 0.00 | 0.00% | 0.06 |