Mongolia's coal exports rebounded sharply in November to exceed 9 million tonnes, driving a year-on-year rise in total exports over the first 11 months and reinforcing confidence that the country will meet its 2025 export target, the latest Mongolian customs data showed.

The country exported 79.09 million tonnes of coal in January-November, rising 2.21% from the year-ago level of 77.38 million tonnes, according to data from the Mongolian Customs General Administration (MCGA). This represents 95% of Mongolia's full-year export goal of 83 million tonnes, leaving the country well on track to meet its target by year-end.

The export value amounted to $5.07 billion during the given period, down 38.04% on the year. The average export price declined $41.64/t on the year to $64.10/t.

Almost all coal exports during the first 11 months went to China, except for just 10 tonnes sent to Russia in May and a negligible volume shipped to South Korea in November.

The MCGA didn't release the specific figure for November. Sxcoal calculated November's exports at 9.35 million tonnes based on data published by the customs authority, second only to 9.69 million tonnes recorded in September, the highest monthly figure since 2019. That was up 5.32% year on year and 31.43% higher than the month prior.

The value of coal exports stood at $582 million last month, falling 24.69% on the year but rising 37.65% on the month. The average price was calculated at $62.22/t, down $24.80/t year on year yet up $2.81/t month on month.

From January to November, Mongolia's coal shipments to China amounted to 79.09 million tonnes, up 2.21% year on year.

The sharp increase in November volumes came after a sluggish October, when coal exports were constrained by holiday-related border closures and other logistical bottlenecks.

In contrast, November saw a concerted push at border crossings to meet year-end throughput targets, with clearance activity accelerating noticeably. Although some port closures occurred due to Mongolian holidays, their impact was limited.

Looking ahead to December, coal exports may taper off from November's high, especially as customs clearance goals are to be met, and if market demand shows little sign of meaningful revival. Should monthly exports maintain their 2025 average of 7.19 million tonnes, Mongolia is poised to surpass last year's annual record.

In addition, Mongolian Prime Minister G. Zandanshatar proposed to increase the country's coal exports to China to 100 million tonnes per year during high-level talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on November 19.

Mongolia exported 66.70 million tonnes in 2023 and a record 83.76 million tonnes in 2024, virtually all of it to China, data showed.

Over January-November, Mongolia's bituminous coal exports totaled 70.22 million tonnes, up 0.17% on the year, while anthracite exports amounted to 346,100 tonnes, soaring 120.22% year on year. Other coal deliveries fell 13.80% to 3.25 million tonnes, and lignite offtakes stood at 5.27 million tonnes, a surge of 57.45%.

In November, bituminous coal exports were calculated at 8.47 million tonnes, up 16.29% from the previous year and 35.15% from a month earlier; anthracite exports were 64,600 tonnes, soaring 240.70% on the year and up 26.31% on the month; and other coal exports reached 308,900 tonnes, slumping 63.36% from a year earlier yet up 18.70% from the month before. Lignite exports dived 30.65% on the year to 509,400 tonnes, down 5.25% from the month before.