Even though China's foreign trade surged more than 29 percent on a yearly basis in the first quarter, the public should not get unduly optimistic.

That month, a high-speed train linking Beijing and Chengde city in Hebei went into operation.

Deng Jun, executive vice-president of Aux Group, said, "The rising prices of aluminum, copper and steel (iron ore) have forced us and the whole industry to raise product prices."

Market analysis says higher steel prices could also benefit decarbonization initiatives in the industry.

The measures will go into effect on June 1, the ministry said.

With more than 10,000 registered coal traders, the CTCTC is the largest coal trading center in China.

Support is being given to peaking pioneers from localities, sectors and companies.

In the January-March period, crude steel output rose 15.6 percent year on year to 271 million tonnes.