North Korea’s imports of grain from China rose markedly in August, according to new statistics released yesterday by the Korea Rural Economic Institute (KREI).
Kwon Tae Jin of KREI revealed the news via trade statistics published by the Korea International Trade Association.
According to the statistics, North Korea imported 47,978 tons of grain from China in August, a figure which represents twice the amount imported in July this year (19,384 tons) and three times the amount imported in August last year (16,723 tons)
The grain was imported in three major forms: 17,458 tons of wheat flour, 13,286 tons of corn, and 10,417 tons of rice.
Analyzing the elevated statistics, Kwon explained, “It is because last year crop yields slumped, and in particular double crops like potatoes, wheat and barley suffered due to the cold winter. Double-crops are mostly consumed in July and August, but compared to a normal year production of these double-crops fell and so the food situation in August was not good,” he explained.
As a result, in the year to August North Korea has imported a total of 216,535 tons of grain, an increase of 20.2% over the same period last year, just 180,145 tons.
Analyzing the overall trend, Kwon suggested that the growth in North Korea’s imports of grains and fertilizer reflect depleted inventories, and could also be part of inventory building in order to give the impression of plenty during 2012.
Meanwhile, Kwon also said he believes North Korea is likely to see an improvement this year, saying, “Despite the flood damage this summer, September has seen excellent weather, and thanks to greater imports last year they have been able to use more fertilizer this year than they could last.”
“There has been harm caused by the flooding, but things should still improve a little over last year,” he added.
