China Halts Coal Exports Amid Shortage

SHANGHAI, China –

China’s Transport Ministry ordered ports on Friday to temporarily stop loading coal for export as the country struggles to meet domestic needs amid mounting power shortages.

The coldest, snowiest winter in decades has left millions of Chinese without heating and running water, causing mounting losses from power shortages and other damage.


The Transport Ministry’s emergency notice, posted on its Web site, ordered railways and other transport networks to make hauling coal and food a priority in coming weeks. Ocean shippers should stop loading coal for export and divert shipments, if needed, “for domestic thermal coal requirements,” it said.

It warned of “severe” consequences for failing to comply with the order, to stay in effect through the Lunar New Year holiday in February and the annual session of the national legislature in early March.

It was unclear what amount of coal shipments would be affected by the order.

AP