Anthony Albanese responds to claims China’s coal ban will end soon

China’s unofficial coal ban has risked a $10 billion hit to Queensland’s exports, but in a whirlwind visit to the Sunshine State, the Prime Minister has hinted it may be about to end.

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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has welcomed “positive soundings” from China’s ambassador as he noted speculation Beijing’s two-year ban on Australian coal may be about to end.

He was speaking during a regional blitz of Queensland, stopping in Rockhampton, Mackay and Cairns on Wednesday before jetting off for a state visit to Papua New Guinea.

EDITORIAL: Qld regions key to Albanese’s plans

China’s coal ban risked a $10 billion hit to Queensland’s exports, but companies finding new buyers in southeast Asia, as well as skyrocketing global prices for the commodity, negated the loss.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with Senator Murray Watt in Rockhampton on Wednesday. Picture: Annette Dew

Mr Albanese said he noted the speculation last week that the unofficial ban could soon be lifted and said Australia would continue to work on the issue, as well as bans on other products like seafood, timber and some beef, diplomatically.

“We’ll continue to put our case that any impediments which are there towards trade should be removed in Australia’s interests and in China’s interests,” he said.

“It is in both our countries’ interests to remove impediments which are there.

“The fact that yesterday again the ambassador made positive soundings is a good sign, but we’ll continue to engage diplomatically.”

China’s ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian yesterday said the relationship between the two countries was at a “critical stage of turnaround”.

Ambassador Xiao Qian at the Chinese Embassy in Canberra. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Resources industry organisations have noted “positive vibes” from China recently and there have been reports four Chinese companies are considering purchasing Australian coal from as early as April 1.

After the Albanese Government indefinitely delayed $800 million for the Rockhampton Ring Road in the October budget, Mr Albanese also announced “$280 million will be brought forward” to start early works.

The project was already out to tender last year and was due to start construction late 2022 or early this year, when the funding was pulled following a significant cost blow out.

Mr Albanese said the final costing of the project “wasn’t done properly by the former government”.