BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 11. Coal consumption in the U.S. is expected to outpace production in 2025, leading to a continued drawdown in stockpiles, according to the latest forecast from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Trend reports.
As of June 1, coal inventories held by the electric power sector stood at 124 million short tons (MMst), 12% lower than the same time last year. The drop is largely due to a sharp drawdown in the first quarter of 2025, when consumption surged by 20% compared to 2024, while production rose only 2%.
Typically, coal stockpiles decline during the summer months as power demand rises. While that trend is expected to continue this year, the EIA forecasts a smaller drawdown—just 8 MMst between June and September—compared to a 17 MMst decline last summer. Inventories are projected to end the season at 116 MMst.
A brief heatwave in late June caused a slight uptick in coal-fired power generation, but milder weather expected in July will likely offset much of that increase. Overall, the EIA anticipates summer coal production and consumption will remain roughly in line with 2024 levels.
Lower coal exports are expected to ease pressure on inventories this summer. However, the EIA warns that steeper inventory declines may resume in 2026, with production forecast to drop by 9% and consumption by 6%.
