US shipments to NK up sharply in 2011

U.S. shipments of goods to North Korea jumped nearly five-fold in 2011 from the previous year, mainly due to a rise in relief supplies, a media report showed Saturday.

Washington-based Radio Free Asia (RFA) said the United States shipped US$9.4 million worth of goods to North Korea last year, up from just $1.9 million the year before. The figures are based on data provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

RFA said of the total, 95 percent was aid sent by private organizations to help alleviate the plight of North Koreans.

Such shipments included flour, starch to make bread, canned and other processed foods as well as paper and other basic necessities. (Yonhap)