July 14, 2018 - China imported 146 million mt of coal and lignite in the first half of 2018, up 9.9% from the previous year and a three-year high, according to preliminary data released Friday by the General Administration of Customs.

In June China imported 25.5 million mt of coal, up 17.9% on the year and 14% on the month from 22.3 million mt in May, the data showed.

This rebound in coal demand is underpinned by tight supply stemming from ongoing safety and environmental checks at major coal mines amid firm summer electricity demand, ANZ research analysts said in a note Friday.

“We see the tighter environmental regulations on mining and smelting should keep imports firmer in H2,” ANZ analysts said. “However, rising trade tensions could weigh on sentiment.”

The General Administration of Customs will release the finalized June import data July 23. 

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