Two Chinese Ports halt customs clearances for coal imports.

• Position: Ports of Jingtang and Caofeidian in Hebei, China

Chinese customs is no longer permitting coal cargoes to enter the country at the ports of Jingtang and Caofeidian, said three coal traders, who were told by customs officials of the halt last Tuesday.

Customs officials at the port of Jingtang, one of China's biggest coking coal import points, and the neighboring port of Caofeidian said they would halt customs declaration services from July 16 until further notice, the traders said on Wednesday.

No reason was given for the service halt at the ports, which are located on...