In 2021, the world’s coal output expanded by 5.7% (just above the 2019 pre-pandemic level), following the rebound in global demand.

Europe’s coal production increased by 11.9% in 2021, owing to higher electricity demand and steep gas prices, with +17.7% in Germany, +6.9% in Poland and +15% in Turkey. Output also grew strongly in CIS (+7.4%, including + 8.8% in Russia) and in North America (+8%). Asian coal-producing countries, which account for almost 70% of global coal output, expanded their production by 6.1%, with +9.8% in India, as the country is willing to reduce its import dependency, +7.7% in Indonesia and +5.1%% in China. Coal output declined significantly in Australia (-7.3%) due to China’s unofficial import ban and production issues. China remained the world’s largest coal and lignite producer in 2021, accounting for half (49.5%) of supply, followed by India (10%) and Indonesia (7%).