North Korean trade fair shows off foreign goods, but without foreign attendees | NK News
NK News Logo
October 28, 2026Oct 28, 2026

Weapon Directory

News

North Korean trade fair shows off foreign goods, but without foreign attendees

Locals appear to run booths for firms from across Asia, while a DPRK company is promoting a new foldable smartphone

North Korea kicked off its autumn international trade fair this week with goods from across Asia but few if any foreign attendees, while also promoting a new foldable smartphone.

The DPRK’s External Economic Relations Minister Yun Jong Ho opened the 18th Pyongyang International Autumn Trade Fair on Monday, state media reported the following day. The event reportedly features around 130 enterprises, including firms from China, Mongolia, Bangladesh and Thailand.

Korean Central Television (KCTV) aired a segment on the event showing multiple booths bearing the names of foreign companies but no apparent foreign staff, following North Korea’s reported decisionto bar

Have follow-up questions? Ask NK PRO's Intelligence Suite to learn more.
What has been the extent of foreign attendance and representation at recent Pyongyang trade fairs, and how are booths typically staffed?
This question is generated by AI and could contain mistakes.