China increased exports to North Korea by 21 percent over the current year
China's exports to North Korea in the first three quarters of 2017 increased by 20.9% in annual terms, according to customs data.
Exports from China to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea amounted to $2.55 billion in the period of January to September. However, imports from North Korea in the first nine months fell 16.7% and total trade grew by only 3.7%, reports Vesti Finance.
In September, the United Nations Security Council voted to strengthen sanctions against North Korea. Fuel supplies to the country were limited after the sixth nuclear test carried out by Pyongyang.
In addition, UN member states are expected to stop importing textiles from North Korea. In 2016, textiles were the country’s second largest exports after coal and other minerals, and brought North Korea $752 million, representing a quarter of the country's income from trade, South Korea’s data showed. Almost 80% of North Korean textiles were supplied to China.
Last month, Beijing announced its intention to restrict trade with Pyongyang on several key items, including textiles, seafood and petroleum products, in compliance with the UNSC resolutions. Chinese President Xi Jinping's administration has also banned mainland lenders from doing business with North Korean clients.