European coal imports down by 50% in 2024

In 2024, Europe imported 21.9 million tonnes of coal, compared with 40.9 million tonnes in 2023. 10 million tonnes were delivered to Rotterdam, 3 million tonnes to Germany and 2.2 million tonnes to Poland. The volumes delivered are unlikely to increase in 2025, even though the clean dark spread (the margin generated by a coal-fired power station) is currently more favourable. On the supply side, Colombia is Europe's leading supplier, with 8 million tonnes delivered in 2024, compared with 13.6 million tonnes in 2023. South Africa is Europe's second-largest supplier, with 3.9 million tonnes, followed by the United States (3.2 million tonnes).