Hanoi, 23 October 2026 – Vietnam expects to import about 17 million to 19 million tonnes of bituminous and sub-bituminous coal for power generation in 2026, equal to roughly 20% to 22% of projected coal demand for electricity. The requirement is rising as manufacturing investment and export production increase pressure on the country’s power system.
The trend matters to Asian businesses and investors because Vietnam’s appeal as a manufacturing alternative depends on reliable electricity, while greater coal use raises fuel-import, emissions and financing risks. The import estimate is confirmed by the Ministry of Industry and Trade. The extent to which US tariffs are accelerating the shift is analysis rather than a separately measured official figure.
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