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 2021 are final, and this report supersedes the four Quarterly Coal Distribution Reports previously issued for 2021.

Highlights for 2021

• Total coal distribution was an estimated 574.1 million short tons (MMst) in 2021. This value is 7.7% higher than the 2020 value.
• Total domestic coal distribution was an estimated 489.0 MMst in 2021. This value is 5.3% (24.7 MMst) higher than the 2020 value. Foreign distribution was 85.1 MMst, 23.2% (16.1 MMst) higher than the 2020 value.
• Wyoming was the leading coal-origin state, accounting for about 237.1 MMst of shipments delivered to 27 states. Texas was the leading coal-destination state, receiving about 59.1 MMst of domestic coal.
• An estimated 68.6% of total coal shipments were sent by railroad, 11.6% were sent by river, and 9.3% were sent by truck. Tramway and conveyor deliveries, which are traditionally associated with minemouth power plants, accounted for about 10.4% of total coal shipments.
• Electric utilities and independent power producers received about 91.1% of total coal shipments. Industrial plants (excluding coke plants) received about 5.3% of total coal shipments, coke plants received about 3.5%, and commercial and institutional plants received about 0.2%.