The inter-Korean Gaeseong Industrial Complex posted an almost 20-percent increase in its trade in the first half of the year despite sanctions imposed on North Korea.

South Korea’s Unification Ministry said inter-Korean trade through the joint industrial complex in the North totaled some 825-million dollars from January to June this year. This is 19-point-five percent rise from the same time last year. The figure also marks a jump of 135-percent from the same period two years ago.

However, the overall size of inter-Korean exchanges, including the trade of minerals and agro-fisheries products, and noncommercial humanitarian and social exchanges, decreased by 16-point-two percent to 832-million dollars in the first half.

South Korea bolstered trade sanctions with the North after it sank the South’s “Cheonan” naval vessel last year.