Electricity output is rising faster than gross domestic product as more industrial processes are electrified, electric vehicle sales increase and consumers spend more on appliances such as air conditioners. While there are other factors that go into China's power generation, such as how much hydropower generation may rise, it's still likely that coal will be called on to meet much of the increased demand. The main unknown factors for thermal coal imports are whether China's domestic output will rise enough to cover demand growth, and if import prices will remain competitive with domestic supplies.