Vietnam’s imports of coal fell by 5.1 percent month-on-month in January to US$562.93 million, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This follows a decline from US$593.09 million recorded in December.
Year-to-date, Vietnam’s total coal imports stood at US$562.93 million. Australia remained the largest supplier, contributing US$237.93 million, or 42.27 percent of the total. Indonesia followed with US$166.19 million, representing 29.52 percent, while Russia supplied US$67.22 million.
Among major suppliers, China recorded the highest month-on-month growth, increasing 162.66 percent. Laos also saw a significant rise of 32.63 percent. In contrast, Indonesia experienced the steepest decline, with imports falling 31.93 percent.
The industry remains heavily dependent on Australia and Indonesia, which together accounted for nearly three-quarters of Vietnam’s coal imports. The sharp increase in coal imports from China indicates a shift in sourcing strategies, while the decline from Indonesia reflects changing trade patterns.
See also: Coal Power in Vietnam: Industry Overview
Vietnam coal imports, January, US$ millions
| January | December | MoM | YTD | % of Total | |
| Total | 562.93 | 593.09 | -510.00% | 562.93 | 100.00% |
| Other | 74.49 | 53.71 | 38.69% | 74.49 | 13.23% |
| Australia | 237.93 | 218.97 | 8.66% | 237.93 | 42.27% |
| Indonesia | 166.19 | 244.16 | -31.93% | 166.19 | 29.52% |
| Russia | 67.22 | 66.51 | 1.07% | 67.22 | 11.94% |
| Laos | 8.64 | 6.51 | 32.63% | 8.64 | 1.53% |
| China | 8.46 | 3.22 | 162.66% | 8.46 | 1.50% |