A Chinese firm has placed an order to import Australian coal, providing clear evidence of the lifting of an unofficial ban imposed more than two years ago and potentially paving the way for a broader thawing of trade relations between the two nations.

The order by China Energy Investment Corp, reported by Reuters on Friday afternoon, came as coal industry sources signalled they expect only a likely gradual resumption of Chinese imports of Australian coal. The China Energy cargo is likely to be loaded before the end of January, the report said.