China lets in most of the Australian coal stranded at its ports

Most of the Australian coal used by steelmakers that was being held at Chinese ports in the wake of Beijing’s import ban has now been cleared, according to local research firm Fengkuang Coal Logistics, although there’s no sign that the halt on new shipments will be lifted.

Customs data for the final quarter of last year show 6.2-million tons of Australian coking coal were finally allowed in, along with another 5.5-million tons of thermal coal from China’s erstwhile trading partner that was destined for power plants.