Most of the coal came from Russia.During the reporting period, 19.5 million tons of coal were imported to Ukraine, and a year earlier – 16.95 million tons / UNIAN photo Volodymyr Gontar

Ukraine in January-December 2021 increased foreign exchange spending on imports of hard coal and anthracite by 46.7% compared to the same period last year, to $2.48 billion.

The relevant data is posted on the website of the State Customs Service.

According to customs data, during the reporting period, 19.5 million tons of coal were imported to Ukraine, and a year earlier – 16.95 million tons (+15%). The largest suppliers during this period were Russia, the USA and Kazakhstan.

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Imports of coal from Russia in monetary terms for 2021 amounted to 1 billion 54 million dollars (62%), from the USA – 494.6 million dollars (19.8%).

Ukraine imported coal from Kazakhstan for $253.4 million (10.2%). Coal was imported from other countries in the amount of $195.3 million.

Coal import costs:

Ukraine began to experience an acute shortage of thermal coal in the summer of 2014, when, as a result of hostilities in the east of the country, it completely lost control over the part of Donbass, where most of the mines are located.

Ukraine in 2020 reduced foreign exchange spending on imports of hard coal and anthracite by 39.6% to $1.69 billion.

From November 1, 2021, the Russian Federation has suspended the export of thermal coal to Ukraine.

Also, due to the blocking of the transit route by Russia, the supply of contracted coal from Kazakhstan to Ukraine has not yet taken place.

 After that, the country began to import coal.

As of January 16, 2022,  coal reserves in Ukraine exceeded last year’s figures for the first time.

(c)UNIAN 2022