Egypt's thermal coal January-August imports fall slightly amid reduced consumption

Egypt's thermal coal imports declined marginally in the January-August period of 2025 compared to a year ago, according to data released by the Port of Alexandria on Oct. 1. The drop comes amid subdued spot market activity and reduced coal consumption in Egypt.

Total imports during the first nine months of 2025 stood at 3.6 million metric tons, compared to 3.7 million mt from the previous year.

The lowest monthly import volume was recorded in January, at 307,378 mt, down 48% month on month and 16% on the year.

Conversely, May saw the highest import volume so far this year, reaching 572,528 mt, a 16% increase both month-on-month and year-on-year.

The fall in coal volumes year on year was due to a slowdown in economic activities in recent months, coupled with an increase in cement prices, has weighed on the demand for thermal coal and petcoke from cement producers, market participants said.

The Platts weekly CIF Med 75,000 mt 6,000 kcal/kg NAR coal, non-Russian origin price assessment averaged $91.42/mt in January-August, down from $101.05/mt in the similar timeframe previous year, according S&P Global Energy data. Platts, part of Energy, last assessed the grade at $93/mt Sept. 26.

Similarly, the Platts weekly CIF Med 45,000 mt 6,000 kcal/kg NAR coal, Russian origin only price assessment averaged $85.84/mt in January-August, down from $100.20/mt in the similar timeframe the previous year, Energy data showed. Platts last assessed the grade at $85.50/mt Sept. 26.

Imports from the US, the top supplier of thermal coal to Egypt, rise to 3.8 million mt in August, from 2.7 million mt in previous month, the POA data showed.

Market participants further mentioned that falling dollar reserves and the availability of cheaper options, particularly from Russia, are prompting buyers to explore new markets.

As a result, Russia's coal exports to Egypt have increased slightly this year, influenced by a fall in prices of Russian coal delivered to the Mediterranean and MENA region.

However, in August, imports from Russia to Egypt, drastically dropped to 38,458 mt from 98,940 mt in the previous month, the POA data showed.