US to impose ‘largest’ yet sanctions

The Trump administration has imposed sanctions on more than 50 vessels, shipping companies and trade businesses in its latest attempt to pressure North Korea over its nuclear programme.

The administration billed the move as the largest instalment of North Korean sanctions to date.

The treasury department said it was barring US business transactions with nine international shipping companies from China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Panama, as well as nine of their vessels. It also blacklisted 16 North Korean shipping companies and 19 of their North Korean-flagged vessels.