China to Australia: Coal import restrictions

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said China's recent decision to place restrictions on Australian coal imports was a "responsible action towards Chinese domestic industries and customers". Speaking at a press conference on December 16, 2020, Wang said any export restrictions were being handled by relevant government departments in line with Chinese rules and regulations.

Australia has been in a diplomatic row with China, its largest trading partner. Coal is among Australia's top three exports to China. Beijing imposed trade reprisals after Canberra called for an international inquiry into the source of Covid-19. Canberra is seeking clarification from Beijing over reports that it has blocked Australian coal imports, in what could be a "breach" of China's commitments as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Russia, Indonesia and Australia are the biggest exporters of thermal coal to China, while Mongolia, Russia and Australia dominate exports of coking coal, which is used to make steel.