China imported 21.58 million mt of coal in October, including lignite, thermal and metallurgical material, down 11.7% from September but up 54.6% year on year, according to preliminary data released Tuesday by China's General Administration of Customs.

China imported 24.44 million mt of coal in September this year. In October 2015, the country imported 13.96 million mt of coal.

On a seasonal basis, Chinese imports remained strong, an ANZ analyst said, adding that October imports were the fourth highest volume achieved over the past two years.

Several China's coal producing regions have currently implemented statutory production of 276 days in a year, down from 330 days previously, leading to tight supply in the domestic market and an increase in imports.

Over January-October, imports rose 18.50% year on year to 201.74 million mt.

The country exported 0.9 million mt of coal in October, a jump of 50% month on month, the data showed.

Exports over January-October surged 59% year on year to 7.2 million mt.

The GAC did not give a breakdown of the October imports, which would be available later this month.