Ministry of Unification: "North Korea-China Railway Trade Resumption in Final Preparation Stage... Timing of Resumption Uncertain"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The Ministry of Unification stated that the resumption of North Korea-China railway trade is in its final stages, but it is difficult to predict the exact timing of the restart.

On the 4th, a Ministry of Unification official responded to reporters' questions about recent unusual developments related to North Korea and China, saying, "There have been frequent observations recently of preparations for goods trade via railway between North Korea and China."

He added, "There is a trend of preparing to resume primarily cargo transportation via railway first," and "As for other forms of trade besides railway, it is necessary to observe a bit more regarding whether they will resume."

According to the Ministry of Unification, North Korea closed its borders last year due to COVID-19, and since October of last year, North Korea-China trade has been almost completely halted. Although imports and exports have gradually increased since March of this year, the level remains minimal compared to before COVID-19.

The National Intelligence Service reported at the National Assembly Intelligence Committee hearing on the 28th of last month that train operations between North Korea's Sinuiju and China's Dandong may resume in November.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.