South Korea's coal imports surge to five-year high in July

South Korea imported 12.40 million tonnes of coal in July 2026, up 22.42% from June and 8% higher than a year earlier, according to data released by the Korea Customs Service (KCS).

The July volume marked the highest monthly level since July 2021, underpinned by robust power demand during the summer peak season. Peak electricity demand in the country climbed sharply in early July, with Korea Power Exchange (KPX) data showing readings even exceeding 90 GW on several days that month. Higher