Economy
Information related to the North Korea economic sector
North Korean firms tout labor exports and luxury goods despite sanctions
New issue of Foreign Trade magazine promotes DPRK inroads in Russia and China, including through joint ventures
May 28, 2025
Why North Korea’s bold experiment with raising wages is destined to fail
Fueled by Russian funds, the reforms substitute ideology for economics and risk inflation, deeper poverty or worse
May 27, 2025
Sanctioned peanuts and other North Korean goods set to enter Russia: Records
Official filings show Russian firms are looking to import agricultural goods, medicines and ginseng beverages from DPRK
May 26, 2025
Every company that joined North Korea’s not-so-international spring trade fair
NK Pro finds nearly 100 DPRK firms participated in first event in 6 years, including likely sanctioned joint ventures
May 21, 2025
North Korea imports $32M in food in April, continues sanctioned textile trade
Expert says fruit shipments likely for elite, as China outsources production of wigs, watches and clothes
May 21, 2025
North Korean firm unveils new AI-powered smartphone at Pyongyang trade fair
First smartphone by Sujongchon boasts AI image editor and voice controls but appears to crib from Chinese models
May 20, 2025
North Korea-China trade holds strong in April in sign of stable economic ties
Total exchange reaches nearly $222.1M, a 15% on-year increase despite DPRK’s focus on cooperation with Russia
May 19, 2025
Navigating uncertainty: How Lee Jae-myung could overhaul North Korea policy
Seoul could push to revive DPRK engagement, perhaps with China’s help, but faces growing US pressure to confront Beijing
May 19, 2025
New AI research center supercharging North Korea’s malicious cyber ops: Report
US cybersecurity firm says obscure center marks ‘decisive evolution’ as DPRK blurs lines between different threats
May 16, 2025
Foreigners conspicuously absent as North Korea kicks off spring trade fair
An in-depth analysis of a not-so-international expo, rice farming appeals, criticism of Japan’s missile plans and more
May 16, 2025
