China imported 21.75 million mt of coal, including lignite, thermal and metallurgical material, in June, up 31% year on year and 14.3% higher from May, according to preliminary data released Wednesday by Chinas General Administration of Customs (GAC). 

China imported 19.03 million mt of coal in May and 16.603 million mt in June last year. 

January-June total imports increased 8% year on year to 108.02 million mt. 

The country exported 0.66 million mt coal in June, up 41.03% year on year but down 7.04% from May, the data showed. January-June total exports increased 99.3% year on year to 4.67 million mt. 

The GAC did not provide a breakdown of June imports, which will be made available later this month.