China’s coal mines were required by the central government to boost output as an energy shortage across the country has seen millions of homes and businesses hit by power cuts in recent weeks. An additional 50-55 MMT of coal production are estimated to be added in the fourth quarter of this year.

Chinese provincial governments are encouraging coal imports from Russia, Indonesia and Kazakhstan to resolve domestic shortage. Despite the political tension, China has begun unloading Australia’s coal transport in October and vessels idled near ports have received clearance to discharge the coal.

But the Chinese government is unlikely to reverse the unofficial ban on Australian coal imports anytime soon.