North Korea has significantly increased purchases in China
2023.01.20 03:24
North Korea has significantly increased purchases in China
By Tiffany Smith
Budrigannews.com – As freight train operations between the two countries resumed following a suspension to prevent the spread of COVID-19, China’s overall exports to North Korea more than tripled in 2022.
According to trade data released on Friday by China’s General Administration of Customs, outbound Chinese shipments to North Korea increased by 247.5% year-over-year to $894 million.
Soybean oil, rubber tires, granulated sugar, tobacco, and unidentified medicines were the most valuable exports.
At the beginning of 2022, Pyongyang had accumulated a significant quantity of Chinese medical supplies, such as ventilators and masks.
Trade data released by Beijing revealed that despite declaring victory over COVID-19 in August, North Korea nonetheless purchased 2.27 million masks, 12,000 thermometers, and 40,000 pairs of medical rubber gloves from China in December.
State media reported on Thursday that the parliament of North Korea presented plans to normalize industrial production and achieve its economic objectives this year.
The premier of the North Korean cabinet, Kim Tok Hun, praised the nation for “successfully tackling the worst-ever upheaval since the founding of the country” during the COVID-19 outbreak. He also stated that the cabinet intends to make 2023 “a year of great turn and change in the course of development” to commemorate the country’s 75th anniversary.
During the majority of the pandemic, the isolated nation closed its borders to nearly all trade, only returning to receiving supplies and goods from China in 2022. That increased bilateral trade to $1.03 billion in 2022, a 226 percent increase from the previous year.
