In the first half of 2016, the nation made progress in slashing excess production in the coal industry, but more needs to be done in the steel sector, the vice president of the China Iron and Steel Industry Association (CISA) Qu Xiuli said during the weekend.

From January to June, coal production fell 9 percent year-on-year, financial news website cnstock.com reported Sunday, citing Qu's remarks at an industry forum.

"Progress in tackling overcapacity in the coal industry was made because of strengthened production controls, which should also be applied in the steel industry in the second half of the year," Qu was quoted as saying.

Considering that crude production volumes in April and June reached high levels, tougher policies should be imposed, cnstock.com said.