China border town can't shake the blues despite promise of bridge to North Korea
FXI•Dandong's economy grew 0.3% in the first half of the year, while China's exports to North Korea rose 25% to $2.3 billion last year. The new bridge remains unopened, with no opening date set.
1. Bridge remains unopened
China completed the New Yalu River Bridge in 2014, but North Korea left approach roads and customs facilities unfinished. Work resumed after ties thawed, but neither country has set an opening date. Residents and shopkeepers said they were uncertain the bridge would bring new business.
2. Trade brings little relief
Most goods still cross an older bridge about 10 km upstream. China's exports to North Korea reached a six-year high of $2.3 billion last year, up 25% annually, but remained below levels before U.N. sanctions in 2017. Dandong's economy grew 0.3% in the first half of the year, investment fell by a third and new home sales declined 28%. North Korea has not reopened to Chinese tourists since closing its borders in 2020.
