Impact of Covid-19 on the Demand of Coal Bulk Transportation in China

Abstract

China's coal bulk transportation sector, instrumental in fulfilling 60% of the nation's primary energy demand in 2019, has been at the forefront of energy research given its criticality to China's energy matrix. Motivated by the widespread disruptions during the Covid-19 pandemic, this study employs a case-based method, focusing on the effects on both imported and domestically produced coal transportation, drawing from a plethora of references. This paper’s findings indicate that while there was an initial decline in coal sales and imports in early 2020, strategic interventions led to a 4.6% rise in coal imports by 2021, coupled with a growth of 11% in domestic coal production in 2022. Emphasizing resilience, the sector witnessed a notable rekindling of coal trade with Australia by 2023. This research not only underscores China's capacity for adaptability in its coal sector amidst global disruptions but also lays a foundational framework for future studies, accentuating the significance of understanding energy resilience in a post-pandemic world.