Australia seeks clarity on China coal ban reports

Australia is looking into reports that Chinese state-owned energy providers and steel mills have been told to stop importing Australian coal, ABC News Australia reports.

Trade Minister Simon Birmingham said he had seen the reports, and that the government had reached out to China for more information.

"We don't have evidence to verify those reports," he said.

"We have certainly been in touch with Australian industry and have been working to seek a response from Chinese authorities in relation to the accusations that have been made publicly."

The reports state that two steel mills, one in north-east and one in south China, were told verbally about the ban, and that some traders believe buyers will avoid Australian coal even if the ban is not real.

The ABC has been unable to independently verify the reports.

Senator Birmingham said there had been no word from China yet.