North Korean imports of laptop computers hit record levels in 2016, with demand remaining high for the first five months of 2017, data from Chinese customs compiled by the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) shows.

Imports of Chinese laptops have grown steadily in North Korea, mirroring global technology trends, with DPRK consumers showing less interest in desktops.

Total laptop imports from China climbed to over $56 million last year, up from $36 million the previous year. The shipments appear to be slightly lower on average for the first five months of 2017, though the DPRK has still spent over $12 million