In 2023, Macedonia was the leading European importer of lignite, showing a significant increase of 114.44% in its import levels compared to the previous year. Serbia followed with a modest rise of 8.82%. Other countries such as Slovakia and Poland experienced declines in their imports, with changes of -11.94% and -0.69%, respectively. The Czech Republic and Bosnia and Herzegovina also saw significant decreases of -31.11% and -20.38%. Montenegro and Kosovo reported a complete drop to zero, indicating a halt in imports.
In the coming years, Europe’s lignite imports are expected to be influenced by the region's Energy Transition policies. The focus on renewable energy and carbon reduction initiatives may further reduce reliance on lignite imports. Watch for potential shifts in countries investing heavily in cleaner energy sources, impacting import volumes and their regional distribution patterns.
Top countries in Imports of Lignite Share by Country (Thousand Metric Tons)
| # | 10 Countries | Percent | Last Year | YoY | 5-years CAGR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Macedonia | 40.22 | 2023 | +36.38% | +114.44% | View data |
| 2 | 2 Serbia | 23.99 | 2023 | -34.06% | +8.82% | View data |
| 3 | 3 Slovakia | 13.43 | 2023 | -27.75% | -11.94% | View data |
| 4 | 4 Poland | 11.36 | 2023 | +1.03% | -0.69% | View data |
| 5 | 5 Hungary | 6.35 | 2023 | +36.7% | -1.29% | View data |
| 6 | 6 Bosnia and Herzegovina | 1.45 | 2023 | -14.9% | -20.38% | View data |
| 7 | 7 Germany | 1.28 | 2022 | +11.11% | 0% | View data |
| 8 | 8 Czech Republic | 1.22 | 2023 | +21.94% | -31.11% | View data |
| 9 | 9 Ukraine | 1.07 | 2023 | +96.09% | View data | |
| 10 | 10 France | 1.04 | 2023 | -0.053% | -18.36% | View data |
