Coal imports in China had increased by 25.2% in 2016 over the 2015 imports, the latest China customs data shows. In 2016, 256 MnT of coal was imported into that country; surpassing that in 2015, at 204 MnT.
Market experts attribute the rise in the imports to the upswing in coal prices during the year. As a direct fallout of the curtailment in coal production in the country, coal prices had risen, prompting buyers there to procure from foreign markets.
During the year, the Chinese government had embarked upon a policy to cut down coal production, primarily aimed at curbing the growing pollution levels; and at the same time, rationalize production with supply.
Among the countries of import during 2016, imports from Australia constituted the highest share in the total import basket, followed by Indonesia, Mongolia, North Korea and Russia.
Source: Customs, CoalMint Research
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