It comes in the wake of the latest nuclear missile tests, which have increased tensions between the two countries.
The order reads the following: “The provocative, destabilising, and repressive actions and policies of the Government of North Korea, including its intercontinental ballistic missile launches of July 3 and July 28, 2017, and its nuclear test of September 2, 2017, (…) constitute a continuing threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States, and a disturbance of the international relations of the United States.”
The sanctions are aiming to target the country’s shipping industry, trade, ports, and manufacturing.
The economic pressure on the country is focussed on stopping the sources of revenue that would support development of its nuclear program.
Due to the impact, no vessel that has called at a port within the previous 180 days, and no vessel that has engaged in a ship-to-ship transfer with such vessel within 180 days, may call at a port in the United States.
Additionally, a blockade is being imposed on all property and interests of persons operating in the construction, energy, financial services, fishing, information technology, manufacturing, medical, mining, textiles or transportation industries in North Korea.
The blockade also includes owning, controlling or operating any port in North Korea, from airport, seaport and land port of entry.