Coal news and updates

China lifts remaining restrictions on Australian coal

China has removed all remaining curbs on Australian coal imports, putting an end to trade restrictions that have been in place since 2020.

According to sources familiar with the decision, ports and customs offices have been told to allow overseas cargo into the country, including Australian coal. (Photo by Ivan Kuzkin via Shutterstock)

China will allow all domestic companies to import coal from Australia, ending trade restrictions that were first imposed in late 2020, Bloomberg reports.

According to sources familiar with the decision, ports and customs offices have been told to allow overseas cargo into the country, including Australian coal. The de facto ban was partially eased in early January when four major state-backed importers were given permission by state authorities to resume purchases of Australian coal.

Australian leaders have hailed the end of restrictions as a key step in restoring amicable relations between the two nations.

As the world’s largest producer and consumer of coal, China’s coal imports last year exceeded 290 million tons.