New Yalu River Bridge opening sparks last-minute cargo surge on old crossing

Chinese traders are frantically shipping cargo across the aging Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge before the New Yalu River Bridge is set to open on October 15, 2026. Many traders fear the new crossing will impose high fees, prompting them to maximize freight transported through the existing route while it remains comparatively cheaper.

According to a Daily NK source, northbound cargo on the old bridge spiked after China's National Day holiday, which lasted from October 1 to 7 and typically halts customs work along the border. The rush to ship is attributed to traders' concerns over potential steep tolls and charges at the new bridge. Despite the promise of improved logistics and wider lanes, traders are anxious about the costs, with the source noting that business success hinges more on total shipment costs than on the bridge's age.

Authorities have yet to disclose the toll rates for the New Yalu River Bridge, leaving traders uncertain about the costs associated with each crossing. South Korea's Ministry of Unification sees potential benefits in the new logistics links for North Korea-China relations, but the current bottleneck at the old bridge suggests that traders prioritize cost efficiency over convenience.

The Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge, built in 1943, has been the primary trade link between North Korea and China, with China being the country's largest trading partner and a critical economic support for Pyongyang under international sanctions.