China-North Korea trade surged 25.4% in 2025, reaching $2.73 billion, the highest since 2019, as imports from Beijing drive the recovery.
BEIJING: Trade between China and North Korea surged to near pre-pandemic levels last year, according to Beijing customs data.
The total trade volume rose 25.4% year-on-year to $2.73 billion, the highest figure recorded since 2019.
China remains North Korea’s largest trading partner and a key source of diplomatic and economic support.
Imports from China were a primary driver, with North Korea importing $257.4 million worth of goods in December alone.
This marked an increase from nearly $243.6 million the previous month.
Trade had slumped after North Korea sealed its borders in early 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic.
It began a gradual recovery from 2022 onwards.
The diplomatic relationship was reaffirmed during a rare foreign visit by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to Beijing in September.
Kim told China’s President Xi Jinping it was his “steadfast will” to “steadily develop” bilateral relations.
Xi stated the two countries should strengthen international coordination to “safeguard their common interests”.
Kim also hailed “friendly and cooperative” ties with China during celebrations in October marking 80 years of North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party.
