China's coal imports from Russia increased by 6% in March compared to the same period last year, reaching 7.33 million metric tons, according to data released by the General Administration of Customs on Sunday. This rise occurred despite challenges in logistics and international trade restrictions.

A section of coal is seen at Hongliulin Coal Mine during a Huawei-organised media tour, in Shenmu of Yulin city, Shaanxi province, China April 25, 2023.

In contrast, coal imports from Indonesia, China's primary supplier, dropped by 9% to 17.96 million tons. The decline followed Indonesia's implementation of a government-set benchmark coal price as the minimum transaction price, effective from March 1.

Overall, China's coal imports in March decreased by 6%, influenced by high coal stockpiles at ports and lower domestic demand. These factors have driven spot coal prices to their lowest levels in four years.

The data reflects shifts in China's coal trade dynamics, with varying import trends from key suppliers amid changing market and policy conditions.