Archive · 30 Jul 2026
China and India Dominate Global Coal Consumption
China and India use most of the world’s coal, about 70% together.
China is the biggest user, and India is second, using 23.1 exajoules of coal.
In 2025, even though China and India used less coal than before, the total amount of coal used worldwide went up because other countries, especially in Southeast Asia, used more.
Indonesia and Vietnam have doubled their coal use since 2015 to power more electricity.
The United States also used more coal in 2025, while many European countries are using less coal as they switch to cleaner energy.
China and India together account for 70% of global coal consumption.
India is the second‑largest consumer with 23.1 EJ, about 14% of worldwide use.
Global coal demand rose in 2025, even as China and India saw their first decline in over 50 years.
Indonesia and Vietnam have doubled coal use since 2015, driving Southeast Asian growth.
The United States increased coal use by 10% in 2025, while most European nations cut consumption.
- Who
- China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, United States, European countries
- What
- Global coal consumption statistics and trends for 2025
- When
- 2025
- Where
- Worldwide, with emphasis on Asia, the United States, and Europe
- Why
- Industrial growth, energy affordability, and expanding electricity demand
- China coal consumption
- Largest global consumer
- India coal consumption
- 23.1 EJ (≈14% of global)
- Global coal demand 2025
- Increased despite declines in China and India
- Southeast Asia growth
- Indonesia and Vietnam doubled consumption since 2015
- US coal consumption 2025
- 10% rise, reversing previous decline