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Global hard coal production estimated to rise by 5% in 2021

Global hard coal production increased by more than 5% in 2021, according to early estimates by Germany's VDKi coal importers lobby group, with a significant growth in China in a context of rapid economic recovery; coal production also grew in India, the United States, Russia, Vietnam and Colombia. Global seaborne coal trade reached 1.2 Gt in 2021 (+6% compared to 2020), with exports of the largest exporting countries increasing, except for Australia and South Africa.

Germany's hard coal imports rose by more than 25% to 39 Mt in 2021, as power generation from hard coal increased by nearly 27% (strong increase in gras prices and lower wind power generation). Overall, the share of hard coal in total primary energy consumption of Germany increased from 7.5% in 2020 to 8.6% in 2021.