Are North Korea-China Relations Stable?... Trade Volume Rises as Imports from China Increase

US Outlet Analyzes Chinese Customs Data
"Signals of a Robust North Korea-China Economy"

Although tensions have arisen in the relationship between North Korea and China as North Korea draws closer to Russia, trade between the two countries appears to be gaining momentum.

On May 20, Yonhap News reported, citing data from the General Administration of Customs (GAC) of China via the U.S.-based North Korea-focused media outlet NK News, that the trade volume between North Korea and China in April reached $222.1 million (approximately 309 billion KRW).

National flags of North Korea and China flying at the Hoshi Trade Zone in Dandong, China. Photo by Yonhap News

This figure is slightly lower than the previous month's $238.1 million (approximately 331 billion KRW), but it represents a 15% increase compared to the same period last year. In April 2023, the trade volume between North Korea and China was $199.9 million (approximately 278 billion KRW), while in April 2024, it was only $193.9 million (approximately 270 billion KRW).

NK News pointed out, "In April, North Korea imported $186.4 million worth of goods from China. During the same period, North Korea's exports amounted to $35.7 million, which is slightly higher than the previous month's $33.7 million." The outlet analyzed that the growth in trade volume between the two countries was mainly due to an increase in North Korean imports.

Previously, experts predicted that North Korea's deepening ties with Russia, following its dispatch of troops to the war in Ukraine, would likely lead to a cooling of relations with China.

Peter Ward, a North Korean economy expert at the Sejong Institute, assessed that even if such issues exist between the two countries, "there is no tangible impact on North Korea's ability to trade with its most important trading partner, China." He further interpreted, "Although the growth is not explosive, an increase of over 10% compared to the same period last year signals that the economic relationship between North Korea and China remains strong."

China has consistently demonstrated its support for North Korea on the international stage. Notably, on May 8, after holding a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping issued a joint statement calling on countries around the world to halt sanctions against North Korea.

However, while North Korea has been increasing trade with China, it remains reluctant to fully reopen its borders, which were closed during the global outbreak of COVID-19.

Earlier, in March, the U.S.-based North Korea-focused media outlet 38 North reported that several small buildings were being constructed on the North Korean side of the New Yalu River Bridge between North Korea and China. The report noted that these facilities could serve as customs and immigration offices, suggesting that trade between North Korea and China via the New Yalu River Bridge may be starting.