North Korea’s fertilizer imports remained unusually low in April even as the country’s planting seasons kicked into high gear, a development that could weaken this year’s harvests at the same time when a massive COVID-19 outbreak has led to nationwide lockdowns.

According to China’s General Administration of Customs (GAC), North Korea imported just $2.7 million worth of fertilizer in April. This compares to $12.9 million worth of fertilizer in April 2021, representing a nearly 80% decline year-over-year despite higher overall trade levels this year.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, North