From January to April, Heilongjiang's imports rose 38.9 percent to 63.73 billion yuan, while its exports grew 15.6 percent to 14.04 billion yuan, according to the Harbin customs in the provincial capital.

The figure accounted for 36.9 percent of the province's total imports and exports.

The labor-intensive iron and steel industry, as a symbol of the second industrial revolution, was often associated with images of workers toiling away in mills, sweat pouring down their faces.

They also said the industry has accelerated structural upgrades to pursue greener growth pathways.

The coal sub-index slid 5.6 percent to 1,071.72.

To some extent, the program has proved the role of carbon monitoring in helping calculate carbon emissions, he said.

India's finished steel exports in April fell to their lowest level in five months on weaker demand and increased competitiveness in the international market.

Indonesia's parliament this month approved a request from the government to increase energy subsidies because of rising commodity prices.