China's March coal imports fall 12.1pc from a year ago on import curbs

BEIJING: China's coal imports in March fell 12.1 percent from a year ago to 23.48 million tonnes, according to Reuters calculations based on customs data released on Friday, reflecting curbs on foreign supplies.

Imports last month rose from February's 17.64 million tonnes, but remain subdued as traders reported lengthy customs checks at ports across the country.

For the first three months of 2018, coal supplies were at 74.63 million tonnes, down 1.8 percent from a year ago, data from the General Administration of Customs showed.