China imported 24.27 million mt of coal in July, up 14.2% year on year, but down 10.7% from June, according to a report Friday by Beijing-based Dexin Yongming Consultation which cited preliminary figures from Chinese customs.
In the first seven months of this year, China imported 164.12 million mt of coal, up 55.5% year on year, according to the report.
There was no breakdown provided on the type of coal imported.
In comparison, Platts reported last week citing data from China customs that the country exported 500,000 mt of coal in July, down 45.1% year on year. Over the first seven months of 2012, China exported 6.28 million mt of coal, down 35.1% year on year.
Chinese customs releases import and export data seperately.
Meanwhile, China mined 340 million mt of coal in July, up 5.8% year on year, but down 2% from June, according to figures released Thursday by the China Coal Trade and Development Association. Over January-July, China mined 2.31 billion mt of coal, up 7.3% year on year.
