Rising Sino-DPRK trade despite ongoing COVID-19 concerns in North Korea is yet another sign of improving bilateral relations. 

Newly published statistics from the Chinese customs agency show that the total value of Sino-DPRK trade increased 114% between March and April, with a 122% rise in North Korean imports from China leading the growth. 

Total April trade between China and North Korea reached $30.6 million compared to $14.3 million in March. March also saw sharp increases in bilateral trade over the month before.

But the magnitude of these increases is more reflective of the extent of the impact