In August 2026, at Haiphong Port in Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam, a bulk cargo ship loaded with thermal coal slowly docked, and the unloading conveyor belt at the port was running at a constant speed. This batch of coal from overseas will be directly transported to coal-fired power plants in northern Vietnam, supporting the stable supply of electricity during the local summer peak.

The latest import and export statistics for the period of January to July 2026 have been officially released, showing the bi-directional growth trend of the coal import and export market and clearly demonstrating the structural changes taking place in Vietnam's energy supply and demand market.

The import scale is steadily increasing

From January to July 2026, Vietnam's cumulative coal imports reached 47.4115 million tons, an increase of 9.8% compared to the same period last year, maintaining a stable growth momentum.

In July, which entered the peak of summer electricity consumption, Vietnam's coal imports saw a significant increase, with imports reaching 7.2995 million tons, a year-on-year increase of 36.8%, and a slight increase of 1.6% compared to the previous month. In the first half of 2026, Vietnam's national thermal power generation increased by 11.3% year-on-year, accounting for over 42% of the total power generation. The domestic self-produced coal production is difficult to match the rapidly rising electricity demand, directly driving the continuous increase in coal imports. The installed capacity of coal-fired boilers currently in operation in Vietnam continues to expand, and the energy demand for industrial production is also on the rise. The stable import of coal from overseas has become the core support for ensuring Vietnam's energy supply security.

The export market is experiencing an outbreak

In sync with the steady growth of imports, Vietnam's coal export market will experience explosive growth in 2026.

From January to July 2026, Vietnam's cumulative coal exports reached 851700 tons, a significant increase of 120.6% compared to the same period last year, almost doubling the growth rate. In July, Vietnam's coal exports reached 94200 tons, a year-on-year increase of 64.2%, and a significant increase of 10.7% compared to the previous month. The recognition of high-quality smokeless coal from Vietnam in the surrounding markets continues to increase, and the demand for industrial users in Southeast Asia has rebounded, directly driving the rapid rise of Vietnam's coal exports. Keywords: Southeast Asian news, coal exports

The two-way growth of Vietnam's coal market in 2026, from imported coal docked at Haiphong Port to export cargo ships heading overseas, is a direct reflection of the sustained release of its energy market vitality.Editor/Cheng Liting