North Korea-China trade jumps to $230M in May, bringing yearly total to over $1B



News North Korea-China trade jumps to $230M in May, bringing yearly total to over $1B Official data underscores strong growth this year despite speculation about strained ties due to DPRK support for Russia Dave Yin June 18, 2025 SHARE COPY LINK FACEBOOK X LINKEDIN MASTODON The 13th Pyongyang Autumn International Trade fair in North Korea \| Image: NK News (Oct. 12, 2017) North Korea’s trade with China jumped 26.8% year-on-year in May to $230 million, new customs data shows, continuing a trend of strong growth in 2025 and holding steady amid speculation surrounding a strained relationship. The total trade volume last month marked a 3.5% increase from $222.1 million in April but was still shy of the March figure of $238.2 million, according to official data from China’s General Administration of Customs (GAC) released Wednesday. North Korea’s trade with China jumped 26.8% year-on-year in May to $230 million, new customs data shows, continuing a trend of strong growth in 2025 and holding steady amid speculation surrounding a strained relationship. The total trade volume last month marked a 3.5% increase from $222.1 million in April but was still shy of the March figure of $238.2 million, according to official data from China’s General Administration of Customs (GAC) released Wednesday. Try unlimited access Only $1 for four weeks Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis Year-one discount if you continue past $1 trial period The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts. Subscribe now All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time. © Korea Risk Group. All rights reserved. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from Korea Risk Group. Get the Daily Update Start your day with the North Korea stories that matter most – as selected by And how should we address you in correspondence? One more step! Please check your inbox, for an email we just sent you, and click on the confirmation message in it to get subscribed to our Daily News Update. Trending

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North Korea-China trade jumps to $230M in May, bringing yearly total to over $1B

Official data underscores strong growth this year despite speculation about strained ties due to DPRK support for Russia

Dave Yin June 18, 2025

North Korea-China trade jumps to $230M in May, bringing yearly total to over $1B

The 13th Pyongyang Autumn International Trade fair in North Korea | Image: NK News (Oct. 12, 2017)

North Korea’s trade with China jumped 26.8% year-on-year in May to $230 million, new customs data shows, continuing a trend of strong growth in 2025 and holding steady amid speculation surrounding a strained relationship.

The total trade volume last month marked a 3.5% increase from $222.1 million in April but was still shy of the March figure of $238.2 million, according to official data from China’s General Administration of Customs (GAC) released Wednesday.

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North Korea-China trade jumps to $230M in May, bringing yearly total to over $1B

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