North Korean vessels returned to Chinese coal terminals in force this week, as a timed ban on importing DPRK anthracite expired on January 1.

China’s Ministry of Commerce banned Chinese companies from importing coal between December 11 and January 1, in response to a UN resolution which limits imports of the North’s most valuable commodity.

Previous NK Pro analysis indicated that DPRK vessels avoided their usual delivery routes and terminals for the duration of the ban. But come January 1 the ships were once again on their way to terminals along China’s north-eastern coast.