Commercial tensions with China puts coal producers in West Virginia on the edge – Bakersfield now

Charleston, W.VA. (WCHS) – West Virginia exports more coal in China than any other state, and some manufacturers have expressed serious concerns about the potential trade war.

The opposite 10% of President Donald Trump’s tariff has some coal producers in Western Virginia on the edge, as China launches a 15% tariff for coal imports.

Mountain State exports about 6 million tonnes of coal to China every year, representing approximately half of the entire coal exports to China.

“They could have a dramatic impact. They could develop until even mining operations are considered,” said President of the Coal Association in Western Virginia, Chris Hamilton.

Coal manufacturers are closely monitoring the situation and we hope this will be a short -lived element of trade negotiations between China and America.

Economic complaints for both countries are complicated. Now coal – especially welcomed coal – are caught in the middle.

Preliminary evaluations of production for 2024 show that coal extracted in West Virginia dropped about 2% compared to the previous year. Exports are regarded as critical for coal, even with Trump administration, which is thought to be friendly to fossil fuels.

Commercial wars have their ups and downs. A Chinese dispute with Australia gave Western Virginia a chance to enter the China market in a big way.

“There is real fierce competition from Australia, Indonesia, Colombia and South Africa,” Hamilton said. “There are many suppliers now available.”

Changing the tariff pumps China’s total US coal tax up to 18%.

Problems with the industry can occur in the state budget, which partially relies on taxes on compensation.

The diplomatic solution may still be possible, but whatever the result for coal in the US, Western Virginia will feel it the most.