Vietnam’s coal exports reached US$11.33 million in November 2024, marking a sharp month-on-month decline of 28.3 percent, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Year-to-date figures amounted to US$142.40 million, reflecting a challenging period for the coal sector.
South Africa dominated as the primary market, importing US$7.23 million of Vietnamese coal. The Netherlands recorded US$3.01 million in imports, although this was a steep 50.36 percent drop from October. Notably, exports to other major markets, including Indonesia and Japan, fell to zero, indicating weakened demand or logistical challenges.
Despite South Africa’s strong import volumes, the overall performance signals vulnerabilities in Vietnam’s coal export industry. Diversifying market access and addressing operational hurdles could be pivotal for stabilising this sector.
See also: Coal Power in Vietnam: Industry Overview
Vietnam coal exports, November 2024, US$
| November | October | MoM | YTD | |
| Total | 11,334,508 | 15,813,386 | -28.3% | 142,396,756 |
| Other | 79,180 | 212,974 | -62.82% | 23,033,922 |
| South Africa | 7,232,659 | 0 | 0.00% | 17,600,205 |
| Netherlands | 3,014,167 | 6,072,013 | -50.36% | 16,409,455 |
| South Korea | 942,103 | 0 | 0.00% | 3,834,745 |
| Thailand | 66,399 | 2,589,746 | -97.44% | 4,153,521 |
| India | 0 | 0 | 0.00% | 67,255 |
| Indonesia | 0 | 5,580,944 | -100.00% | 15,765,230 |
| Japan | 0 | 1,357,709 | -100.00% | 44,652,946 |
| Malaysia | 0 | 0 | 0.00% | 26,924 |
| Philippines | 0 | 0 | 0.00% | 15,117,782 |
| Taiwan | 0 | 0 | 0.00% | 1,734,771 |