China Jan-Aug total trade with North Korea falls 57.8 percent: customs

Flags of China and North Korea are seen outside the closed Ryugyong Korean Restaurant in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, China, in this April 12, 2016 file photo. REUTERS/Joseph Campbell/Files
Flags of China and North Korea are seen outside the closed Ryugyong Korean Restaurant in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, China, in this April 12, 2016 file photo. REUTERS/Joseph Campbell/Files

The value of China's trade with North Korea in the January-to-August period tumbled 57.8 percent from a year earlier to $1.51 billion, Chinese customs data showed on Sunday.

Imports from North Korea in that period fell a steep 89.3 percent to $143.6 million, while exports fell 38.9 percent to $1.36 billion.

China's total trade with North Korea was valued at $219.9 million in August, up from $194.62 million the previous month.

Exports to North Korea in August were worth $200.7 million, up from $177.48 million the previous month.

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