MOSCOW, December 18. /TASS/. Russian coal trade faced hurdles in 2024 amid Western sanctions, low profitability and infrastructure bottlenecks, with the total coal exports form the country expected to lose 6% by the end of the year to 199 mln tons, the International Energy Agency (IEA) reported.

Russia’s revenues from coal exports in 2024 are projected roughly 20% lower than in 2021 due to discounts required to attract purchasers and lower prices this year, according to the agency.

It also expects exports of Russian thermal coal to decrease by 8% in 2024 to 149 mln tons.

Russian met coal exports are expected to fall by 10% over the next three years, reaching 44 mln tons in 2027.

Low prices have affected the yield of coal producers’ exports, the report said. Despite the expected growth of global coal trade in 2024, total revenues from coal sales are projected at a lower level due to a decrease in prices. That said, most exporting countries expect their revenues higher than in 2021.