News North Korea-China trade plunges in May as DPRK battles COVID outbreakZero official imports of medications, masks and ventilators suggests Beijing is providing aid for free, expert says ![]() North Korea’s imports from China plummeted to just $14.5 million in May as the country locked down in response to a COVID-19 outbreak, Chinese data shows, while shipments of medical goods for treating the disease also came to an abrupt halt. The May total marked an 85% decrease from $98.1 million worth of imports in April, according to the data from Beijing’s General Administration of Customs (GAC). Notably, China did not report sending any COVID-19 treatment and prevention products such as medications, masks and non-invasive ventilators in May, after previous data showed that the DPRK had © Korea Risk Group. All rights reserved. |