North Korea was the largest market overseas for Chinese wine by volume in the first half of 2026, ranking second only to the territory of Hong Kong for the fourth year in a row, according to NK Pro analysis.

Monthly data published by China’s General Administration of Customs (GAC) shows North Korea imported 442,311 liters (nearly 15 million fluid ounces) — the equivalent of almost 590,000 standard wine bottles — between January and June. 

The amount was more than the next three countries — Singapore, South Korea and Japan — combined, and represented a 23.79% increase relative to the same period last year