New sanctions on North Korea could slash the state's export revenues by a third.

The UN has passed a US-drafted resolution banning North Korea's exports of coal, iron, lead, and seafood.

US correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking they're the most punishing sanctions on North Korea so far.

"Those sanctions are in response, of course, to Pyongyang's recent surge in missile tests, four missiles launches and five nuclear tests."

The sanctions also prohibit countries from taking in any more North Korean labourers.

And there's also a ban on new joint ventures with North Korea, and any fresh investment in existing joint ventures.

LISTEN ABOVE AS RICHARD ARNOLD SPEAKS WITH MIKE HOSKING