MWE Correspondent
Russian coal exports to South Korea have surged to their highest level in three years, highlighting a significant shift in Seoul’s energy sourcing as it seeks to strengthen power supply security amid disruptions in global energy markets.
South Korea imported approximately 12.5 million tonnes of coal from Russia during the first half of 2026, an increase of 5.9 million tonnes compared with the same period in 2025.
The sharp rise reinforces Russia’s position as one of South Korea’s leading coal suppliers, despite broader geopolitical tensions and restrictions affecting trade between Russia and Western-aligned economies.
In July alone, South Korea purchased Russian coal worth approximately $334.1 million, keeping Russia among the country’s five largest coal suppliers alongside Australia, Indonesia, Colombia and Canada.
The increase comes as South Korea temporarily relaxes an 80% operating-capacity limit on coal-fired power plants, allowing the facilities to operate at higher levels as the government seeks to reduce dependence on oil and liquefied natural gas.
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The policy shift is linked to heightened uncertainty in global energy markets stemming from the Strait of Hormuz crisis, which has raised concerns over the security and cost of oil and LNG supplies.
Coal has consequently regained importance in South Korea’s short-term energy strategy, particularly as the country attempts to maintain reliable electricity supplies while navigating volatility in international fuel markets.
The surge in Russian coal purchases also demonstrates how energy security considerations can reshape trade flows even amid wider geopolitical disagreements. For South Korea, Russian coal provides an additional source of fuel at a time when maintaining stable electricity generation has become a strategic priority.
For Moscow, the increase offers an important export outlet for its coal industry and demonstrates the continued ability of Russian energy commodities to access major Asian markets despite pressure from Western sanctions and restrictions.
The development could further strengthen the role of Asia in Russia’s energy trade, as Moscow increasingly directs commodity exports toward markets outside Europe.
