Australian coal imports ban denied
A reported ban on Australian coal imports into China’s Port of Dalian has been denied by Australia’s Treasurer, Josh Frydenberg.
Customs at the port have banned imports of Australian coal since the start of February and will cap overall coal imports for 2019 through its harbours at 12m tonnes, an official at Dalian Port Group told Reuters on 21 February. However, speaking on 22 February, Mr Frydenberg said: “No they haven’t.”
He stated China was not targeting Australia over diplomatic issues and attributed the slowdown to existing testing of coal imports, according to Reuters.
Five harbours overseen by Dalian customs — Dalian, Bayuquan, Panjin, Dandong and Beiliang — will not allow Australian coal to clear through customs, said the Dalian Port Group official.
Major ports elsewhere in China have prolonged clearing times for Australian coal to at least 40 days.
The alleged ban will not have a “dramatic effect” on the country’s economy, Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Governor Philip Lowe said, according to Reuters.
Mr Lowe said he would not jump to conclusions the move was aimed at Australia, while adding that many other countries buy Australian coal, which is the country’s top export earner.