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SITCSection 3
U.S. imports of lignite (excluding jet), non-agglomerated (SITC 32221) totaled $1.2M in April 2026, traded with 1 country.
Lignite (Excluding Jet), Non-Agglomerated imports of $1.2M in April 2026 ran 13% below the year-to-date monthly average of $1.3M.
Last updated: April 2026 dataLignite, also called brown coal, is the lowest-rank solid fossil fuel, characterized by high moisture content and relatively low calorific value, which limits its economic transport range and concentrates its use near mine-mouth power plants. The explicit exclusion of jet — a compact, gem-quality form of lignite used in jewelry — narrows this heading to bulk energy-grade material. Because lignite's high moisture content makes long-distance shipping uneconomical, international trade volumes are modest compared to bituminous coal, and import activity into the US is limited.
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Jet is a compact, black variety of lignite that has been used for centuries as a gemstone and decorative material. Its end use, value, and trade characteristics are entirely different from bulk energy-grade lignite, so it is classified separately — typically under headings for precious or semi-precious stones — rather than with mineral fuels.
Lignite's high inherent moisture — often 25–65% by weight — dramatically reduces its energy density and makes ocean freight costs prohibitive relative to its calorific value. As a result, lignite is almost exclusively consumed near its extraction point, and US import volumes under this heading are typically negligible compared to bituminous coal or petroleum products.
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Monthly import values over time