Morocco Is Top African Buyer of U.S Thermal Coal

Rabat – Morocco has emerged as the leading African importer of U.S thermal coal in the first half of 2024, purchasing a record 2.8 million tonnes—a staggering 100% increase from the same period last year.

A recent report by the U.S Energy Information Administration (EIA), released on September 4, highlights Morocco’s leap in the global coal trade.

Morocco’s coal imports from the United States doubled  the first six months of this year compared to the same period in 2023, when the country purchased 1.4 million tonnes.

This increase propelled Morocco past Egypt, which imported 2.4 million tonnes, making it the largest African buyer of U.S. thermal coal.

Together, Morocco and Egypt accounted for 98% of all U.S thermal coal shipments to Africa during this period, with total U.S exports to the continent reaching a historic 5.3 million tonnes—up 60% year-on-year.

This represents the highest volume of U.S. coal exported to Africa since 2000, underscoring the growing demand for energy resources across the region.

The EIA attributed Morocco’s dramatic rise in coal imports to its industrial sector, particularly in energy-intensive industries like cement production.

“A major reason for increased exports of U.S. thermal coal into North Africa has been strong demand by industry, mostly from cement plants and brickmakers,” the agency noted. “These customers value the high heat content of U.S thermal coal, which makes their manufacturing operations more efficient.”

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This efficiency, combined with Morocco’s expanding infrastructure and industrial projects, has fueled the need for more energy.

Morocco’s strategic coal purchases come as U.S thermal coal exports experience a broader global upswing. U.S coal exports have seen their strongest growth since 2018, with key buyers like China, India, and South Korea driving demand. 

According to Kpler, a vessel tracking firm, total U.S coal exports for power generation reached 22.5 million tonnes by August 2023, up from 18.3 million tonnes during the same period in 2022.

While Asia remains the largest destination for U.S coal, accounting for nearly half of total exports, Morocco’s growth places it among the top global buyers.