Trade volume between North Korea and China rises by 20% in early 2026
The trade volume between North Korea and China in January–February 2026 exceeded 2.94 billion yuan ($427 million), marking the highest level in nine years. This represents a 19.6% increase compared to the previous year.
Chinese exports to North Korea reached 2.31 billion yuan, while imports from North Korea amounted to 626 million yuan. China has traditionally been North Korea’s largest trading partner, facilitating substantial bilateral commerce.
However, in 2017, China joined UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea, which caused the annual trade volume to drop by more than half—from 34.31 billion yuan in 2017 to 16.1 billion yuan in 2018.
Currently, there is a gradual recovery of trade ties between China and North Korea, indicating a possible revival of economic cooperation and shifts in regional policies.
This increase in trade volume could contribute to economic stabilization in the region and open new opportunities for both countries in the near future.
