WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY-06) applauded President Trump’s announcement that China will import at least 10 million metric tons of American coal in 2027 and at least another 10 million metric tons in 2028.
The commitment follows a congressional effort led by Barr and six other Members of Congress urging the Trump Administration to prioritize American coal in trade negotiations with China and expand access to the Chinese market for U.S. producers. The White House announced the commitment following President Trump’s state visit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
“President Trump delivered a major win for American coal workers, producers, and the communities that depend on them,” said Congressman Barr. “I was proud to lead six of my colleagues in strongly advocating for American coal to be a priority in our trade negotiations with China, and this commitment will expand opportunities for Kentucky miners, producers, railroads, manufacturers, and coal communities across the country. American coal is an abundant, reliable resource and an important economic asset, and I thank President Trump for continuing to advocate for American energy and American workers.”
Promises made, promises kept. Barr was joined in the congressional effort by Representatives Hal Rogers (R-KY-05), Morgan Griffith (R-VA-09), Carol Miller (R-WV-01), Randy Weber (R-TX-14), Barry Moore (R-AL-01), and Riley Moore (R-WV-02).
“Eastern Kentucky coal has powered our country for generations, and expanding overseas markets is good news for our miners, producers, and communities,” said U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers. “I was proud to join Congressman Barr in urging the Administration to put American coal on the table in trade discussions with China. This commitment creates new opportunities for American energy producers, and I appreciate President Trump’s continued efforts to open markets for our coal and support the men and women who produce it.”
“I applaud President Trump for prioritizing increased U.S. coal purchases by China in recent trade negotiations,” said U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith. “As an advocate for Southwest Virginia coal mining, I support President Trump’s negotiating tactics to have China purchase more American coal. This move will help generate economic growth, protect coal jobs and provide certainty for coal operators.”
“American coal is an abundant, reliable source of energy that supports thousands of jobs and helps keep our economy moving,” said U.S. Congressman Barry Moore. “President Trump has made strengthening American energy a priority, and American workers and businesses should have the opportunity to compete on a level playing field and sell our high-quality coal in markets around the world.”
“I was proud to join Congressman Barr in urging the Administration to make expanding access for U.S. coal a priority in our trade negotiations with China, and I’m grateful that President Trump succeeded in doing exactly that,” said U.S. Congressman Riley Moore. “President Trump’s commitment to opening foreign markets for American exports is another example of him always putting Americans first.”
National coal industry leaders also welcomed the agreement and its potential to strengthen U.S. coal exports.
“The agreement reached between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping represents an important step toward reviving market access for American coal and strengthening U.S. energy exports. China’s commitment to import at least 20 million metric tons of U.S. coal over the next two years would provide a welcome return to our bilateral energy exchange as well as certainty for American producers and exporters,” said National Mining Association President and CEO Rich Nolan. “The National Mining Association appreciates President Trump’s leadership in prioritizing American coal during the most recent U.S.-China discussions, as well as the engagement of U.S. Representative Andy Barr and other congressional leaders who highlighted the effects of trade barriers on U.S. production and jobs. These efforts will help strengthen America’s important coal industry, support mining and transportation jobs, and reinforce the nation’s role as a reliable energy supplier to the world.”
“This announcement underscores the importance of maintaining strong international markets for American coal. We commend U.S. Congressman Andy Barr and his colleagues for advocating on behalf of an industry that supports hundreds of thousands of American jobs and contributes to energy security, economic growth, and industrial development,” said Emily Arthun, CEO of the American Coal Council. “Whether used to generate electricity, produce steel, or support manufacturing, American coal remains a strategic asset. Expanded export opportunities strengthen our coal communities and help ensure that American resources remain competitive on the global stage.”
“Congressman Andy Barr has been a tireless champion for coal. His leadership in expanding international markets for American coal creates new opportunities for producers, miners, and coal communities. We appreciate Congressman Barr’s continued commitment to our industry,” said Sam McKown, President of the Kentucky Coal Association.
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