U.S. intelligence says North Korea continues to import raw materials and components for ballistic missiles despite its 1998 announcement of suspending missile tests.

Submitted to Congress earlier this month by the Office of the National Intelligence Director, the report said that since 2004, the United States has closely watched for test-firing of the North's long-range Taepodong II missile.

Tipped with a nuclear warhead, the missile is capable of hitting the U.S. mainland.

The document also said North Korea is nearly self-sufficient in developing and producing ballistic missiles, yet continues to procure the needed materials and components from a number of foreign sources.

In 2004, North Korea continued to sell ballistic missile equipment, components, raw materials and technicians to several Middle Eastern and North African countries.

Pyongyang is known to have stressed the sale and development of ballistic missiles and equipment to earn hard currency.