China's trade with North Korea surged 22 per cent in the first two months of 2026, customs data showed on Friday, reflecting strengthening ties and the resumption of transport links in March.
Two-way trade reached $418.7 million in January and February, according to China's General Administration of Customs. The figures are typically combined to smooth out Lunar New Year effects.
China's exports to North Korea rose 19 per cent to $329.5 million, led by human hair for wig making, which fell 26 per cent to $24.3 million. Soybean oil exports increased 19 per cent, while other top exports included footwear and frozen whole ducks.
Imports from North Korea jumped to $89.2 million from $65 million a year earlier. Wigs and hair products remained the top import at $30.26 million, down 9 per cent. Tungsten ore shipments rose sharply to $15.4 million, up from $3.29 million.
China is North Korea's largest trading partner, and bilateral trade has helped shore up its sanctions-hit economy. Relations had warmed after strain from Pyongyang's deepening links with Moscow, culminating in President Xi Jinping meeting Kim Jong Un last September – their first in six years.
Following the meeting, the two countries restarted their inter-capital train service on 12 March, and Air China announced it would resume flights to North Korea from 30 March. The rail service had been halted since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
