North Korea-China trade fell 40% between September and October, Chinese customs data shows, ending what was four consecutive months of steady gains between the two countries. 

According to the Chinese General Administration of Customs (GAC), China imported just $2 million worth of goods from North Korea in October, a 86% drop from the prior month and the lowest mark since June this year. 

Meanwhile, North Korea’s imports from China — a critical lifeline for many North Koreans residing in border areas — fell 28% from $55.6 million in September to just under $40 million. GAC typically releases line-item data on