Coal production in the United States is projected to decrease by 3.4% on the year to 577 million short tons (523 million tonnes) in 2023, surpassing the previous month's forecast of 558.4 million short tons, according to a report released by the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).
The report further estimates that in 2024, US coal production will see another decline of 14.88% to 491 million short tons, lower than the previous month's forecast of 505.6 million short tons.
Regarding consumption, the report indicates that US coal consumption in 2023 is expected to decrease by 13.15% to 445.2 million short tons compared to the previous year. Within this, coal consumption in the electricity sector is projected to decrease by 13.49% to 406.5 million short tons, while consumption in the retail and other industries is anticipated to be 23.1 million short tons, reflecting a decline of 13.5%.
In 2024, US coal consumption is forecasted to be 429.8 million short tons, representing a decline of 3.46% compared to the previous year. The electricity sector is expected to consume 391 million short tons of coal, while the retail and other industries are estimated to consume 22.7 million short tons.
The report also highlights that US energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are projected to decrease by approximately 2.7% in 2023 compared to 2022. Specifically, CO2 emissions related to coal combustion are expected to decline by around 12.3% year on year. In 2024, energy-related CO2 emissions are forecasted to decline by 0.48% compared to the previous year.
In terms of exports, the report reveals that US coal exports in 2023 are estimated to reach 99.7 million short tons, indicating a 17.6% increase from 2022. Among these, exports of thermal coal are projected to be 48.3 million short tons, up 25.8% year on year, while metallurgical coal exports are expected to reach 51.4 million short tons, an increase of 10.78%.
For 2024, US coal exports are forecasted to reach 102.3 million short tons, showing a significant increase of 206% compared to the previous year. Thermal coal exports are projected to be 48.6 million short tons, while metallurgical coal exports are estimated to reach 53.8 million short tons.
(Writing by Alex Guo Editing by Harry Huo)
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