Exports surged by 28 percent to 1.06 trillion yuan, while imports were recorded at 950 billion yuan, an increase of 14.2 percent.

Leveraging advantages, inland areas grab competition from big industries.

Gwede Mantashe admits constraints at mining indaba, says state is working on solutions

The daily crude steel output stood at 1.93 million tonnes in early January, according to the China Iron and Steel Association.

China's raw coal output posted stable expansion in December 2022, official data showed.

Its output growth rates over the past two years far exceeded that of the three leading coal-producing regions of Shanxi, Shaanxi, and Inner Mongolia.

China aims to have its CO2 emissions peak before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060.

This year, Inner Mongolia will also step up the clean and efficient use of coal, Wang said.