[THE INVESTOR] China imported record amount of coal from North Korea in August despite the international sanctions, data showed on Sept. 30.

According to the Korea International Trade Association, Pyongyang’s coal exports to China in August came to 2.46 million metric tons. This is an increase of 35 percent on-year, and the highest monthly volume recorded since North Korea-China trade data was first compiled in 1998.

The rise is thought to have been fueled in part by North Korea’s lowering of prices -- coal was priced at US$45.55 per ton in August. In comparison, the average import price for China was US$49.3 per ton. 




Despite the drop in price, the value of North Korea’s coal exports to China also surged. In August, North Korea’s coal exports came to US$112 million, up 27.3 percent from a year ago.

Boosted by the rise in coal exports, North Korea’s overall exports to China increased by 16.4 percent in August.

By Choi He-suk (cheesuk@heraldcorp.com)