North Korea’s trade with China jumped nearly 15% year-on-year in April, new customs data shows, holding steady in a sign of strong economic ties despite claims of strain in the relationship.

Total trade volume hit nearly $222.1 million last month, a slight decline from $238.1 million in March, according to official data from China’s General Administration of Customs (GAC).

But the figure was still considerably higher than in the same month the last two years: Total bilateral trade reached some $199.9 million in April 2023 and $193.9 million in April 2024. 

The strong trade number is mainly backed by significant