Industry observers attributed the decline to scrapping of tax rebates, levying of export duties and strong domestic demand.

Last year China exported 63.3 million tons of coal, down 11.7 percent from the previous year, decreasing for the third consecutive year.

Meanwhile, the nation's coal imports amounted to 38.25 million tons, up 46.1 percent, according to the General Administration of Customs.

Of the total imports, 22.63 million tons, or 59.2 percent, were anthracite, or blind coal.

The customs sources said that 84.1 percent of the total imports came from ASEAN members and Australia, and that 24.18 million tons, or 63.2 percent of the imports were bought by private companies.

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