China ’s coal imports rose 20.9 % in March as its power stations struggled to cope with abnormally cold winter weather and to maintain stocks at power plants and steel mills . Adds details, comment) However , imports will continue to fall as the country imposes restrictions to manage its domestic supply . While Beijing had a hand in the growth by curtailing output with environmental protection and efforts to eliminate inefficient mines , now that the drive is over , the country plans on boosting domestic production by reducing imports by 8 % and domestic output by 3 % , according to Zhao Jianguo of China Coal Transport and Distribution Association .
China ’s coal imports rose 20.9 % in March as its power stations struggled to cope with abnormally cold winter weather and to maintain stocks at power plants and steel mills . However , imports will continue to fall as the country imposes restrictions to manage its domestic supply . While Beijing had a hand in the growth by curtailing output with environmental protection and efforts to eliminate inefficient mines , now that the drive is over , the country plans on boosting domestic production by reducing imports by 8 % and domestic output by 3 % , according to Zhao Jianguo of China Coal Transport and Distribution Association .