North Korea's exports to China have rebounded to their highest level since 2017.

Korean Media: North Korea's Exports to China Recover to Pre-Sanction Levels

According to statistics, North Korea's exports to China in March amounted to $73.26 million, the highest level since November 2017.

On the 20th, China Customs General Administration reported that trade volume between China and North Korea in the first quarter of 2026 reached $608.51 million, a 14.3% increase compared to the same period in 2025 ($582.42 million). North Korea’s total exports to China in the first quarter amounted to $162.44 million—the highest since 2017. In March alone, export value reached $73.26 million, marking the highest level since November 2017, when international sanctions against North Korea officially took effect ($10.01 million). Since 2018, North Korea’s exports to China have consistently remained within the range of $10–20 million. The trade volume between China and North Korea also increased by 14.3% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026.

The public generally believes that exchanges of personnel and goods between the two countries will expand further. Passenger train services between China and North Korea, suspended during the pandemic, have resumed operations. The direct flight route from Pyongyang to Beijing has also recently resumed. Additionally, the new Dandong–Sinuiju Yalu River Bridge connecting China’s Dandong and North Korea’s Sinuiju is set to open soon. Once fully operational, this bridge is expected to significantly boost bilateral exchanges.

Recently, China’s Foreign Minister visited North Korea and met with North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un. During the meeting, Kim Jong-un stated: "Deepening exchanges and interactions at all levels, strengthening mutual support and cooperation, and safeguarding the common interests of our two countries (China and North Korea) as well as promoting comprehensive and sustained development of bilateral relations are crucial."

Kim also expressed: "Our party and government fully support the Chinese Communist Party and government’s domestic and foreign policies based on the 'One China' principle, aimed at achieving national territorial integrity and building a fair, just, and multipolar world." This marks the first time North Korea has publicly confirmed Kim Jong-un’s support for the 'One China' principle.

Source: Chosun Ilbo

Original Article: toutiao.com/article/1863046674663434/

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