India’s Coal Imports Fall 16.4% in July Amid Low Demand

India’s coal imports fell sharply by 16.4% in July 2025, totaling 21.08 million tonnes (MT), compared to 25.23 MT in the same month last year. The drop is attributed to sluggish demand during the monsoon season and ample domestic stock levels, according to data released by mjunction services, a joint venture between Tata Steel and SAIL.

This decline is part of a broader trend, with total coal imports for the April–July period of the fiscal year also showing a decrease, underscoring shifting dynamics in India’s energy supply chain.

Factors Behind the Decline

According to Vinaya Varma, MD & CEO of mjunction, the primary reasons for the decline include,

• Weak industrial and power demand during the monsoon months
• High coal inventory at thermal power plants and industrial units
• Reduced necessity for import substitution due to improved domestic coal production

Varma added that demand may pick up ahead of the festive season, which typically begins in late September, potentially increasing coal usage across sectors.

Breakdown of July Import Figures

• Total coal import (July 2025): 21.08 MT
• July 2024: 25.23 MT

Non-coking coal (used mainly for power generation)

• July 2025: 11.54 MT
• July 2024: 16.52 MT

Coking coal (used in steelmaking)

• July 2025: 5.85 MT
• July 2024: 4.81 MT

While non-coking coal saw a significant fall due to reduced power demand, coking coal imports rose, indicating stable or increased activity in steel and heavy industry sectors.

April–July 2025: Cumulative Import Trends

Total imports

• FY 2025: 97.49 MT
• FY 2024: 100.48 MT

Non-coking coal imports

• FY 2025: 60.62 MT
• FY 2024: 65.64 MT

Coking coal imports

• FY 2025: 22.22 MT
• FY 2024: 20.26 MT

This suggests a consistent pattern—decline in thermal coal imports, while steel sector demand remains resilient.

Key Takeaways for Exam

• Coal imports in July 2025 declined by 16.4% to 21.08 MT
• April–July 2025 cumulative imports: 97.49 MT (vs 100.48 MT last year)
• Non-coking coal down, coking coal up