Full Breakdown
China-North Korea Trade Rebounds to Pre-Pandemic Levels
1/20/2026, 10:54:21 PM
Trade Recovery Overview
In 2025, trade between China and North Korea rebounded significantly, reaching approximately $2.73 billion, a 25% increase from the previous year. This marks a return to levels seen before the COVID-19 pandemic, with December 2025 alone witnessing imports from China valued at $257.4 million, the highest monthly total for the year. The data, released by China's General Administration of Customs, indicates a strong recovery from the trade slump experienced during the pandemic and subsequent international sanctions.
Key Trade Figures
China remains North Korea's largest trading partner, providing essential economic support to the isolated state, which is under international sanctions due to its nuclear weapons program. In 2025, North Korea's exports to China included $190.55 million worth of wigs and hair products, which constituted its largest export category, reflecting a 5.7% increase from 2024. Meanwhile, China's exports to North Korea were dominated by processed hair and wool for wig-making, totaling $208.2 million, alongside other significant exports like soybean oil, fabrics, and granulated sugar.
Diplomatic Engagement
The resurgence in trade is closely linked to improved diplomatic relations between the two nations. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited Beijing in September 2025, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. During this visit, both leaders expressed a commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing cooperation on international matters. Kim emphasized his "steadfast will" to develop relations with China, a sentiment echoed by Xi, who highlighted the importance of coordination between the two countries.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the positive trade figures, concerns persist regarding the implications of this relationship. Analysts have raised questions about the deepening ties between North Korea and Russia, particularly in military cooperation, which could complicate China's diplomatic stance. Additionally, while trade has rebounded, it remains significantly lower than pre-2017 levels, when United Nations sanctions were imposed, limiting North Korea's economic activities.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the reported trade figures indicate a recovery, some sources note that the current trade volume is still about half of what it was before the imposition of UN sanctions in 2017. This discrepancy highlights ongoing challenges in North Korea's economic landscape and the potential volatility of its trade relationships.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It remains at about half the level compared to before the sharp decline in bilateral trade following the United Nations Security Council sanctions resolution in 2017.” — Kyodo News, citing Chinese customs authorities.
- “Mr Xi told Mr Kim then that the two countries should strengthen coordination on international affairs and “safeguard their common interests”, Chinese state media reported.” — Xi Jinping, President of China.
The recovery of trade between China and North Korea in 2025 underscores the resilience of their economic relationship, despite the backdrop of international sanctions and evolving geopolitical dynamics.
