Vietnam plans to increase coal imports in 2025 - 2035

Accordingly, Vietnam will import between 50 and 83 million tonnes of coal annually between 2025 and 2035, with the volume gradually decreasing to 32 to 35 million tonnes by 2045. The domestic coal consumption increased significantly from 27.8 million tonnes in 2011 to 38.77 million tonnes in 2015 and approximately 53.52 million tonnes in 2021, according to data from the MoIT.

Vietnam plans to increase coal imports between 2025 and 2035.

In comparison to 2011, the amount of coal consumed today has more than doubled, mostly for the production of electricity. According to the ministry, the demand for primary energy, which includes coal, will continue to rise and may peak between 2030 and 2035.

Vietnam's coal demand will increase from 94-97 million tonnes in 2025 to 125-127 million tonnes in 2030, primarily due to the growth of the power generation, cement, metallurgical, and chemical industries. The energy transition needed to reach emission reduction goals will result in a decrease in energy demand after 2040, according to the ministry's forecast.

It noted that non-energy uses of coal, such as the production of chemicals and nitrogenous fertilizers, will be encouraged to grow in order to ensure the domestic coal industry's sustainable growth. According to the ministry's draft strategy, by 2030, power production will be prioritized for about 85–90%, or 39–42 million tonnes, of commercial coal to ensure national energy security.