China suspends coal exports to North Korea. The decision abides to the implementation of sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council.

China’s coal export ban will remain in effect until December 31, 2017. The sanctions were imposed by the UN after the North Korea launched medium-range ballistic missile exercises.

Due to the sanctions against Pyongyang, Beijing announced its intention to suspend coal exports to North Korea as early as in April 2016. However, it was not done until now due to humanitarian reasons, as China is the major trade partner of North Korea.