Chinese imports of numerous mineral ores and coal from the DPRK remained at zero in November, data shows, though Chinese traders continued to buy iron alloys from North Korea.

Figures released by Beijing’s General Administration of Customs show China spent USD$2.3 million importing an iron alloy called ferrosilicon from North Korea in November, along with a handful of other iron and steel products.

The continued trade is significant: the UN Panel of Experts (PoE) on North Korea, tasked with monitoring DPRK sanctions evasion practices, considers alloys and processed minerals to be banned under UN