North Korea exported a huge quantity of tungsten ore to China in August, Chinese customs data shows, while apparently splurging on alcohol imports for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

The sudden export of $11.6 million worth of tungsten and concentrates explains the North’s sudden rise in exports to $18.8 million in August, the highest level since early 2020. It also underscores warnings from analysts that the country’s extremely low trade levels mean even a single, large shipment can warp official trade figures. 

“What we see is a rebound in exports to China, which