The Bohai-Rim Steam-Coal Price Index (BSPI), a gauge of coal prices in north China's major ports, stood at 574 yuan (about 87.76 U.S. dollars) per tonne Wednesday, a rise of 4 yuan week on week, according to Qinhuangdao Ocean Shipping Coal Trading Market Co. Ltd.

Analysts said that the coal consumption in winter has gradually entered the peak period. The domestic and imported coal supply were both tight and the structural shortage of coal in Bohai rim area has not been relieved, contributing to the price rise.

A total of 2,158 China-Europe freight trains passed through the border port of Erenhot in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region in the first 11 months of this year, an increase of 53.4 percent year-on-year, according to the local railway operator.

Among them, the number of outbound trains during the period was 1,023, up 54.3 percent year-on-year, while 1,135 inbound trains were recorded, up 52.6 percent, according to China Railway Hohhot Group.

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