November’s topline totals for Chinese-North Korean trade have once again broken record lows, according to recently published data from Chinese customs. Both Chinese imports from and exports to the DPRK fell by 27% and 41% since September respectively, squeezing an already-struggling economy.

The continuing official trade crash supports the narrative that North Korea has totally sealed itself off, and that the country has resolved to support itself through a tough second lockdown. China accounts for 95% of North Korea’s official trade, and likely makes up the vast majority of the DPRK’s unofficial trade as well. But that