Xiamen reports 10-fold increase in coal imports
Ports in China's Xiamen region imported 402'500 tons of coal through the middle of May 2005, customs data show. The trade value of the coal imports increased an astounding 10-fold year on year to reach $24.1 million. Vietnam and Australia have been the main exporters of coal to Xiamen so far this year. Vietnam, with its ample supply of lignite in the north, is becoming a major player in the import markets of southern China. Through the first four-and-a-half months of 2005, Vietnam has accounted for two-thirds of Xiamen's total coal imports.