North Korean exports of several sanctioned commodities continued throughout July, while shipments of other metals and minerals also increased, the latest figures from China’s customs authority compiled by the Korea International Trade Association show.

DPRK coal and iron continued to move across the border unabated, at levels higher than those preceding UN resolution 2270, which was passed in March this year. The new legislation blocks countries from importing some of the North’s most valuable commodities unless the trade is for livelihood purposes.

While in March, hopes were high that Beijing would take a tough