BEIJING - China's coal imports dropped 11.8 percent in the first half of the year to 70.49 million tons while exports also fell 13.7 percent to 8.75 million tons.

During the period, the nation recorded a net import of 61.74 million tons of coal. The figure fell 11.5 percent year-on-year amid surging international coal prices, according to figures released Friday by the China National Coal Association.

Jiang Zhimin, vice president of the association, predicted net coal imports this year will still remain above 100 million tons.

The data provided by the association shows in the first half, the nation's coal output rose 12.7 percent to 1.77 billion tons; sales hit 1.71 billion tons, up 13.8 percent.

With the increase of hydro-electric power during rainy seasons and the rise in coal imports, Jiang said the nation's power shortages, which struck some parts of the country in April and May, has begun easing since June.