en.Wedoany.com Reported - Since early May 2026, North Korea has significantly increased its imports of Chinese cement, as regional construction projects continue to mount pressure on domestic cement supply. Cement shipments through border crossings along the Yalu River have risen since early April 2026. A source familiar with the matter said: "There are simply too many construction projects right now, and domestic cement production cannot meet the demand at all."

Reports indicate these crossings connect Chinese border towns with key entry points in North Korea: the Changdianhekou crossing leads to the area near the Supung Dam in Sakju County, North Pyongan Province; the Ji'an crossing connects to Manpo and Jaseong areas in Chagang Province; and the Linjiang crossing links to the Junggang area, also in Chagang Province. In recent weeks, the volume of Chinese-made construction materials imported through these three crossings has surged dramatically.

This increase is a direct result of Kim Jong Un's "20x10 Local Development Policy," which mandates the construction of new factories, hospitals, and apartment buildings in 20 counties annually for ten consecutive years. The increased traffic at border crossings in Chagang and North Pyongan provinces is closely linked to shortages, transportation costs, and quality issues associated with domestic cement production. Transporting cement from the Sunchon Cement Complex in South Pyongan Province or the Sangwon Cement Complex in North Hwanghae Province also incurs significant freight costs, and the mountainous terrain of Chagang Province makes it difficult to secure a stable supply of domestically produced cement.

Under pressure to meet state-mandated production quotas, North Korean cement plants are forced to rush production, thereby affecting product quality, while Chinese cement has gained recognition at construction sites for its strength and workability. The source said: "Domestic cement often lacks sufficient strength, and there is significant loss during transportation due to packaging and storage issues. Chinese cement is slightly more expensive, but the quality and packaging are much better."

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