Chinese coal imports rose by 14% to their highest level in more than four years in July as rising temperatures boosted demand for coal-fired power stations to feed air conditioning systems. The rise to 29.01 million tonnes, up from 25.47 million tonnes in June, marked a rise of almost 50% compared to the same time last year. Rising electricity demand led the State Grid Corporation of China to warn of power shortages. Increased demand for overseas coal, including lignite from China which has a lower heating value, also followed Chinese restrictions on domestic production to help control pollution.
Chinese coal imports rose by 14% to their highest level in more than four years in July as rising temperatures boosted demand for coal-fired power stations to feed air conditioning systems. The rise to 29.01 million tonnes, up from 25.47 million tonnes in June, marked a rise of almost 50% compared to the same time last year. Rising electricity demand led the State Grid Corporation of China to warn of power shortages. Increased demand for overseas coal, including lignite from Indonesia which has a lower heating value, also followed Chinese restrictions on domestic production to help control pollution.