China’s current air pollution problems demonstrate the need to reduce power production from coal. Panjiva data shows Chinese imports of thermal coal actually increased 4% in dollar terms in the 12 months to November 30. This included a 156% jump in November, which gave it the largest imports for a month since March 2014. Yet, this is partly due to higher prices, and will fall as sanctions against North Korea are tightened. Liquefied natural gas imports are part of the answer, and these increased 25% in the past quarter on a year earlier. This has been led by new Australian contracts, whi...