June 02, 2023
News

North Korea continues to export sanctioned coal, import Chinese humanitarian aid

UN draft report suggests several ships sent coal to China in exchange for aid cargos during second year of pandemic

At least nine ships suspected of illegally exporting coal from North Korea to China collected humanitarian cargo from the PRC before returning to the DPRK last year, information contained in a draft United Nations Panel of Experts report seen by NK News shows

The maritime activity may explain how North Korea was able to continue importing vital agricultural and humanitarian items at a time of major economic difficulties and an ongoing “food crisis” last year.