Newly released coal statistics from the US Energy Information Administration show 6 million tons were exported in May, some 27% higher than previous year.

Coal production in July 2000 totalled 94 million short tons, up 6% on July 1999. Coal production during the first seven months of 2000 totalled 649 million short tons, up 2% on the same period in 1999.

Coal consumed by the electric power sector in May 2000 totalled 74 million short tons, roughly the same as the previous year. Electric power sector coal stocks were 134 million short tons at the end of May 2000, 9% lower than the level a year earlier.

Coal exports in May 2000 totalled 6 million short tons, 27% higher than exports in May 1999. Coal imports in May 2000 totalled 770,000 short tons, 83% higher than imports in May 1999.