Anthracite coal imports to the UK 2010-2021, by country
Anthracite is the highest ranking of coal. It is often referred to as hard coal and has the highest carbon content and energy density of all types of coal.
Coal types
Whilst the EU was the main provider of anthracite to the UK, the region's exports of coking coal paled in comparison to that of Australia, Russia and the United States. Australia was the main exporter of this form of coal to the UK, exporting more than four million metric tons in 2002. However, imports from Australia began to decrease annually from 2012, and by 2018 the country was exporting less than Russia.Russia is the leading exporter of steam coal to the UK, providing 1.12 million metric tons in 2021. Nevertheless, imports from Russia fell considerably since 2013's peak of 19 million metric tons.