North Korea's beach umbrella imports surge 47-fold as resort opens
Water park equipment also shipped from China, trade data shows
Large numbers of beach umbrellas can be seen at a new seaside resort on North Korea's east coast. © KCNA
KOHEI FUJIMURA
DALIAN, China -- Imports of beach umbrellas and pool equipment into North Korea surged during the first half of this year, coinciding with the opening of a seaside resort in the country.
The total value of beach umbrellas imported into North Korea from China reached $207,800 for the first half of this year, up from $4,380 in the year-earlier period, according to Chinese customs data.
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