North Korea’s border ports in Sinuiju and Ryongampo were quiet in August, corroborating NGO claims that only COVID-19-related aid shipments have been allowed at Sinuiju since late July, Automatic Identification System (AIS) location tracking data and satellite imagery shows.

With land borders still mostly closed, North Korea has relied heavily on its maritime fleet to move goods from its biggest trading partner, China. The ban on any shipments other than COVID-19-related aid blocks essential goods like food and agricultural times, too.

Sinuiju is arguably more important because of its prolific trade with