N. Korea’s sharp, post-Jang drop in mineral exports to China seen as temporary

Special to WorldTribune.com

SEOUL — North Korea’s vital border trade with China has been drastically reduced due to Pyongyang’s curbs on mineral shipments following the execution of Jang Song-Thaek who had dominated business dealings with China, a source here said.

North Korea earned the bulk of its foreign revenues from selling raw materials to China, including coal. /AP

“Traffic of trucks carrying North Korea’s minerals and commodities to China fell by 60-70 percent in January compared with the previous month,” said the source who is well-versed in the border commerce between North Korea and China.

“The reduced volume is attributable to less shipment of natural resources, such as coal and iron ore, which account for more than 70 percent of exports from North Korea,” he said.

Just after executing his uncle Jang in December, North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un issued new orders on the sale of natural resources to China, which resulted in reduced shipments, the source said.

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Jang Song-Thaek, Kim Jong-Un, mineral shipments, N. Korea’s sharp, post-Jang drop in mineral exports to China seen as temporary

N. Korea’s sharp, post-Jang drop in mineral exports to China seen as temporary added by World Tribune on February 13, 2014
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