China, the world's largest coal producer, has approved exports of 31.8 million metric tons this year amid efforts to ensure domestic supplies. The agreed quota is "the first batch" of authorized shipments for this year, the country's top economic planner, the National Development and Reform Commission, has said in a statement posted on its Website.

China, which became a net coal importer in January last year, has reduced exports to feed an economy that grew 11.4 percent in 2007, the quickest pace in 13 years. Overseas coal shipments dropped 16 percent to 53.2 million tons last year, compared with a ceiling of 70 million tons.

(Shanghai Daily March 18, 2008)