North Korean exports of sanctioned silver and zinc ore to China continued in March – trade figures from Chinese customs show – in a likely contravention of UN sanctions.

While lower than in previous months, the figures compiled by the Korean International Trade Association (KITA) show the DPRK exported $24,488 of silver ore and $24,575 of zinc to China in the third month of the year.

Both metals were included in a list of banned commodities added to UN Resolution 2321, published in November last year.

“The DPRK shall not supply, sell or transfer, directly or indirectly, from