China's Coal Imports Hit Record High Amid Heatwave and Post-Lockdown Demand Surge

China has imported a record 348 million metric tons of coal so far in 2023 due to increased electricity demand.

Air conditioning use surged this summer as temperatures reached 52°C, pushing up coal consumption.

Hydropower generation fell 9% as demand rose, prompting more coal power generation.

Lifting of zero-Covid policies also drove a spike in electricity demand as the economy reopened.

China has nearly tripled imports of Russian coal since the Ukraine war began.