Clive Palmer has issued some rare praise for the Chinese government, welcoming Beijing's decision to ban imports of "dirty" coal from next year.

Amid concern that the ban - designed to improve air quality in China's smog-choked cities - could have a devastating effect on Australia's multi-billion dollar coal exports, Mr Palmer said the move was "good for the environment and good for mankind".

Clive Palmer says the Chinese decision is a win for the environment and mankind. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

"Comparatively, Australia has more clean energy than competing countries like Indonesia. It will have a greater impact on Indonesia," the leader of the Palmer United Party said.

"It's a good move. There will be less pollution as a result."