Vietnam is expected to import 13.2 million tonnes of coal in 2023, down 58% from 2022, state media reported, citing the the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Domestic coal output this year is expected to be 44.68 million tonnes, down 10%, Vietnam News Agency reported.

The ministry said in a separate statement on March 3 the country would seek to import coal from its traditional suppliers, such as Australia, Indonesia and South Africa, and would explore the possibility to import from Laos.

More than 80% of the coal imported and domestically produced this year will be used for power generation, the report said. The rest is consumed by fertilizer and cement producers.

Vietnam, a regional manufacturing hub, reported decade-high economic growth of 8% last year, but economists warned it is facing challenges, with weakening global demand having already impacted its shipments.