North Korean exports to China more than double to near pre-pandemic levels

September spike could signal DPRK’s willingness to expand trade for first time since the pandemic began, expert says

Ethan Jewell October 18, 2021

North Korean exports to China more than double to near pre-pandemic levels

Image: NK News | People stroll across the Yalu River Broken Bridge between Dandong, China and Sinuiju, North Korea on June 17, 2016

The total value of China-North Korea trade more than doubled between August and September, reaching its highest value in more than a year, newly released data shows.

According to the Chinese General Administration of Customs (GAC), China imported $14.3 million worth of goods from North Korea in September, up from just $6.2 million the month prior.

About the Author

Ethan Jewell

Ethan Jewell is a Seoul-based correspondent for NK News focused on sanctions, trade and maritime issues. He previously worked as an investigations and intelligence specialist for Pinkerton Comprehensive Risk Management and as a research intern for the Brookings Institution's Center for East Asia Policy Studies. Follow Ethan on Twitter @EthanJewell

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