SEOUL, March 2 (Yonhap) -- North Korea's trade volume with China jumped nearly 20 percent in January, compared to the same period last year, a report said Friday, indicating sustained bilateral economic relations.

   Citing data released by China's Ministry of Commerce, U.S. broadcaster Voice of America said trade between China and North Korea reached US$418 million in the cited month, up 18 percent from a year ago.

   The North's January exports to China reached $139 million, an on-year increase of 7 percent, while imports expanded 24 percent to $278 million, according to the report.

   Coal was the North's biggest export item for the Chinese market, totaling $70 million, it added.

   khj@yna.co.kr
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