North Korean imports of solar panels from China dropped sharply in the first eight months of 2016 compared to the same period last year, data from the Korean International Trade Association (KITA) shows.

The figures – sourced from Chinese customs agencies – show that imports of solar panels fell by almost two-thirds to 217,588 units between January and August this year.

The drop in prices was not quite as pronounced, with North Korea spending $3.2 million so far in 2016 compared to an August total of $5.3 million last year.

The downturn comes at a time of numerous reports from