Times have never been so tough for North Korea. Starting in early March, the North Korean state found itself the subject of a set of unprecedented international sanctions. The United Nations sanctions banned or severely restricted North Korea's ability to engage in foreign trade. North Korea is not permitted to export such minerals such as gold, vanadium, titanium and rare earths. The export of iron ore and coal - the single largest export item of North Korea - is permitted, but with many restrictions. Read more
