Annual Coal Distribution Report 2023

The Annual Coal Distribution Report (ACDR) provides detailed U.S. domestic coal distribution data by coal-origin state, coal-destination state, mode of transportation, and consuming sector. The report also summarizes foreign coal distribution by coal-producing state. All data for 2023 are final, and this report supersedes the four Quarterly Coal Distribution Reports previously issued for 2023.

Highlights for 2023

• Total coal distribution was an estimated 555.3 million short tons (MMst) in 2023. This value is 4.4% lower than in 2022.
• Total domestic coal distribution was an estimated 455.1 MMst in 2023. This value is 8.0% (39.8 MMst) lower than in 2022. Foreign distribution was 100.2 MMst, 16.6% (14.3 MMst) higher than in 2022.
• Wyoming was the leading coal-origin state, accounting for about 233.6 MMst of shipments delivered to 27 states. Texas was the leading coal-destination state, receiving about 54.5 MMst of domestic coal.
• An estimated 72.8% of total coal shipments were sent by railroad, 11.3% were sent by river, and 6.8% were sent by truck. Tramway and conveyor deliveries, which are traditionally associated with minemouth power plants, accounted for about 9.0% of total coal shipments.
• Electric utilities and independent power producers received about 91.6% of total coal shipments. Industrial plants (excluding coke plants) received about 5.0% of total coal shipments, coke plants received about 3.3%, and commercial and institutional plants received about 0.1%.