In 2023, China imported 106.60 billion kilograms of not agglomerated lignite. Forecasts indicate a steady upward trend, with imports reaching 127.72 billion kilograms by 2028. This represents a year-on-year increase of approximately 3.9% for 2024-2025, and a similar growth rate persists through subsequent years. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2024 to 2028 is projected at approximately 3.6%.

Future trends to watch for:

China's energy policy shifts towards sustainable sources might impact lignite demand.
Geopolitical factors influencing trade relations could alter import patterns.
Technological advancements in energy efficiency could modulate lignite consumption.