Russia has already shipped nearly $1 million worth of pork to North Korea in the first five months of this year, a new record driven by deepening ties as the two countries also restore train and postal links.

Pork exports from January to May amounted to 1,200 tons valued at over $930,000, according to the Agroexport Center, an export promoting arm under the Russian Agriculture Ministry. The volume far exceeds the total of 700 tons recorded for the entirety of 2024.

Other agricultural goods also saw an on-year increase in volume in the same period, the agency said, citing