BEIJING: China’s exports to North Korea experienced a significant surge in April compared to the previous year, according to Chinese customs data, with major shipments including wigs and fertilizer. The data released by China’s General Administration of Customs revealed that outbound shipments to the isolated country rose by 69% year-on-year, reaching $166 million in April.
Among the top export items in terms of value were processed hair and wool used in wigs, valued at approximately $11.6 million, and diammonium hydrogen phosphate, a widely used fertilizer, valued at $8.84 million. Additionally, North Korea purchased $5.07 million worth of rice from China during the same period.
The customs data further indicated that Chinese exports to North Korea experienced a substantial increase from January to April, rising to $603 million compared to $270.59 million in the same period the previous year.
Food insecurity in North Korea
The surge in Chinese exports to North Korea comes at a time when the country is grappling with food insecurity. South Korea’s DongA Ilbo newspaper reported in mid-February that Pyongyang’s food crisis may have worsened.
It is worth noting that North Korea has been subjected to United Nations sanctions since 2006 due to its missile and nuclear programs.
The increase in exports highlights China’s ongoing economic ties with North Korea, despite international sanctions.
While these exports may assist North Korea in addressing its pressing needs, they also underscore the complexities surrounding the enforcement of international sanctions and their effectiveness in curbing the country’s nuclear and missile activities.
