The US Treasury announced that the two blacklisted individuals, Huang Wang-ken and Chen Mei-hsiang, were based in Taiwan and used the ship Shang Yuan Bao to pump 1.7 million liters of oil products to supply North Korean ships in two operations in violation of UN sanctions.

Jui Pang Shipping, Taiwan-based JuiZong Ship Management and Hong Kong-based Jui Cheng Shipping were also affected.

Although US President Donald Trump praised his ties with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, the United States earlier this year detained a North Korean cargo ship for allegedly transporting coal shipments in violation of UN sanctions.