New Delhi, Sept. 29 -- China is set to increase imports of US coal in the coming years, as Beijing and Washington look to ease tensions over trade. The move could give US coal producers greater access to the Chinese market, while giving Beijing another issue to negotiate with the US on tariffs and other trade matters.

A September 2026 agreement puts US coal outside a framework for reciprocal tariff reductions and is expected to facilitate imports to Beijing during 2027 and 2028.

US said China has committed to buying at least 10 million tonnes of US coal in each of those years, although Beijing has not confirmed that specific volume.

That gives coal an unusual role in the latest US-China trade talks. China can buy more from US producers...