The hard coal imports to Belgium have shown a considerable decline over the years, starting from 6.68 million metric tons in 2013 to 3.5 million metric tons in 2023. The year-on-year variations indicate a mix of both increases and decreases, with notable drops in 2014 and 2020, and significant growth in 2018 and 2022. The overall 5-year CAGR from 2019 to 2023 stands at -5.99%, solidifying the declining trend. Forecasts indicate a continued decline, with expected imports reaching 2.14 million metric tons by 2028, resulting in a forecasted 5-year CAGR of -7.87%.

Future trends to watch for include:

Policy changes favoring renewable energy sources
Technological advancements in energy efficiency
Shifts in industrial demands
Global market dynamics and geopolitical factors affecting coal supply and pricing