North Korean imports of heavy vehicles from China hit record levels in November, according to Chinese customs data compiled by the Korea International Trade Association (KITA).

The DPRK spent more money importing diesel trucks weighing over 20 tonnes than any other item, trade statistics show. At $19 million, the November import total was also higher than any month before it going back to the year 1999.

The increased imports tally with Korean Central Television (KCTV) reports that showed heavily mechanized construction work occurring in the country’s north-eastern regions after serious flooding at the end of August.[/p