North Korea’s trade with China jumped threefold in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period last year, as commercial volumes continue to rebound after years of meager exchange during the pandemic.

According to China’s General Administration of Customs, the total trade volume between Beijing and Pyongyang reached $1.056 billion in the first half of 2023, exceeding the $341.37 million posted last year. 

Imports from China totaled $154.71 million in June 2023, marking a significant hike from the $19.35 million recorded in June 2022, despite a slight drop from $165.63 million in the previous month.

The total import