China has reportedly launched fresh restrictions on thermal coal imports this year, with tightened customs declarations at certain ports effective Friday, market sources said. Caofeidian port in northern China and Rizhao port in the eastern part of China were reported to have tightened custom declarations for coal imports effective January 17, which is being interpreted by the market as a sign that local ports are looking to regulate imports for local trading companies in 2020, market sources said. Certain market participants in China received notices from port agents that users of Caofeidian port can not declare imported shipments at other ports. However, this may not have an immediate impact on imported cargo prices, the sources said, adding that Caofeidian port is primarily a domestic coal hub located in the northern Hebei province. Normal operations at […]