China continued to import North Korean coal in September, the country’s customs trade figures show, despite a new UN resolution banning all trade in several DPRK metals and minerals and Beijing’s own domestic ruling.

According to the figures compiled by the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), Chinese imports of DPRK anthracite totaled nearly USD$44 million last month.

UN Resolution 2371, passed on August 5, gave UN member states 30 days to stop importing DPRK coal, replacing an earlier quota system which limited shipments above a certain level.

“The DPRK shall not supply, sell or