China’s November coal exports fall 27% but imports may reach new record

Some 940,000t of coal left Chinese export hubs in November, down 26.6% from a year ago, but showing a 19% increase when compared to October figures, according to preliminary data released by the country’s General Administration of Customs.

The figure brings coal exports during the first 11 months of 2011 to 13.85Mt or 21.2% below last year’s figures.

While coal import figures are still awaited, industry sources estimated that imports could hit a record 22Mt last month, surpassing the current record of 19.12Mt noted in September. Large volumes have apparently resulted in congestion at Chinese coal ports in November, they added.