China Bans N.Korean Coal Imports

China has banned imports of coal from North Korea after the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution to toughen sanctions after the reclusive state's missile and nuclear tests, according to MCR's sister publication, IHS/Xinhua Infolink's China Coal Daily.

China, which accounts for 90% of North Korea's coal exports, imported 19.6 mt of coal from North Korea in 2015, largely anthracite. This is a rise of 27% from 15.4 mt in the previous year, despite a 30% drop in China's overall coal imports.

At the border city of Dandong in Liaoning province, no trucks are carrying coal from North Korea, after the introduction of new rules restricting all minerals trade with the country. Dandong is China's largest city bordering North Korea and imported products are delivered by truck or ship.

All other Chinese ports are expected to ban North Korean coal arrivals in the next few days.