According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), the US exported 55 million tons of coking coal for the steelmaking industry in 2010, the highest level since 1991.
In 2009, exports amounted to 37 million tons, representing a 49 percent increase from 2009 to 2010. Expectations for 2011 export levels are in the 65 million ton range. The EIA attributes the increasing trend to a decrease in domestic consumption, as the 2010 export level is triple the consumption level in the US. However, the decrease in consumption is due to the growing prevalence of energy-efficient steelmaking technologies, such as the EAF, and not necessarily a reflection of lower steel production.
Also boosting export levels was growing demand in emerging countries and international coal supply shortages due to weather and transportation issues.
The EIA noted that Brazil is the largest buyer of US-sourced coke. Other major destinations include the Netherlands, Poland, Turkey, Ukraine, China, India, Japan and South Korea.