May 10, 2025 - Continuing trade conflict can and will affect West Virginia, according to state coal officials.

The CEO of the West Virginia Coal Association said on Friday, May 9, 2025, that southern West Virginia’s coal operators could be forced to cut back production if a trade war with China and other countries continues through the upcoming fiscal year’s first quarter.

He added that coal operators have so far seen shipments of coal becoming backed up at ports and mine sites.

CEO Chris Hamilton said his organization supports President Donald Trump, adding that Trump had enacted positive policies for the state’s coal industry, including the extension of 42 coal-fired plant operations. He added China is a major market for West Virginia Coal.

To compensate for high tariffs caused by the trade war between the U.S. and China, Hamilton said his group has so far responded by expanding and developing other markets for West Virginia coal.

“You can’t do that forever,” Hamilton noted. “If it goes on much beyond three, four months, we may very well have to curtail some of our mining operations here in southern West Virginia.”

Hamilton said the state’s coal operators hope the trade war with other countries is a short-term sacrifice for future gain.

Researchers at West Virginia University found that coal mining supported 27,000 jobs in the state in 2019 and provided around $2.1 billion in employee compensation.