Newcastle port, the world's largest coal port located in Australia's New South Wales, saw its coal exports in January decline from a high level in the previous month, though the volume remained far higher than the year-ago level.

The port exported 12.73 million tonnes of coal in the month, rising 23.5% from 10.31 million tonnes a year ago but falling 17.34% from December's 15.40 million tonnes, Port of Newcastle data showed.

In January, about 240 vessels were loaded at the Newcastle port, among which 155 were coal-loaded vessels, down 27 vessels month on month.