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Economy

Information related to the North Korea economic sector

North Korean border ports quiet in August, despite a heavy reliance on sea trade
News

North Korean border ports quiet in August, despite a heavy reliance on sea trade

Except for Chinese coast guard and fishing boats, only one ship appears active at the mouth of the Yalu

North Korean border ports quiet in August, despite a heavy reliance on sea trade
Min Chao ChoyMin Chao Choy September 8, 2020
Overfished: Why North Korea leaves behind ‘ghost ships’ and turns a blind eye
Analysis

Overfished: Why North Korea leaves behind ‘ghost ships’ and turns a blind eye

The world’s fish supply is in critical danger, and strange economic constraints are making things worse for North Korea

Overfished: Why North Korea leaves behind ‘ghost ships’ and turns a blind eye
Andrei LankovAndrei Lankov September 8, 2020
North Koreans pitch in to rebuild areas devastated by typhoons, state media says
News

North Koreans pitch in to rebuild areas devastated by typhoons, state media says

Kim Jong Un’s “open letter” calling for helping hands leads to a major public campaign to rebuild what was lost

North Koreans pitch in to rebuild areas devastated by typhoons, state media says
Jeongmin KimJeongmin Kim September 7, 2020
How a small Chinese city exploded into a major port for North Korean trade
News

How a small Chinese city exploded into a major port for North Korean trade

150 companies in Dandong were behind around 25% of Chinese exports to North Korea in 2016 — roughly $750 million

How a small Chinese city exploded into a major port for North Korean trade
Min Chao ChoyMin Chao Choy September 4, 2020
Why North Korea may be on the brink of another deadly ‘Arduous March’ famine
Analysis

Why North Korea may be on the brink of another deadly ‘Arduous March’ famine

Sanctions, flooding, COVID-19 and other 2020 conditions look eerily similar to what caused the devastating 1990s famine

Why North Korea may be on the brink of another deadly ‘Arduous March’ famine
James FretwellJames Fretwell September 4, 2020
Red wine and champagne, anyone? North Korea touts its domestically-made booze
News

Red wine and champagne, anyone? North Korea touts its domestically-made booze

Growing North Korean interest in domestically made wines could be linked to sanctions hurdles to foreign imports

Red wine and champagne, anyone? North Korea touts its domestically-made booze
Chad O'CarrollChad O'Carroll September 4, 2020
North Korea’s top seaport eerily quiet after rumors of a closed trade route
News

North Korea’s top seaport eerily quiet after rumors of a closed trade route

August ship tracking data supports NGO reports that the Dalian-Nampho sea route was closed in late July

North Korea’s top seaport eerily quiet after rumors of a closed trade route
Min Chao ChoyMin Chao Choy September 3, 2020
North Korea in Aug. 2020: A month review and what’s ahead
Month in Review

North Korea in Aug. 2020: A month review and what’s ahead

An analytical look at the main developments from Aug. 1, 2020 to Aug. 31, 2020

North Korea in Aug. 2020: A month review and what’s ahead
NK ProNK Pro September 2, 2020
Accordions and fake beards: North Korean exports to China fall slightly in July
News

Accordions and fake beards: North Korean exports to China fall slightly in July

North Korea’s July exports shrunk compared to previous months, which marked a recovery after a steep COVID-19 crash

Accordions and fake beards: North Korean exports to China fall slightly in July
Min Chao ChoyMin Chao Choy August 31, 2020
Why 2020 is Kim Jong Un’s most challenging year yet
Analysis

Why 2020 is Kim Jong Un’s most challenging year yet

Sanctions, border closures, COVID-19 and terrible weather are all snowballing into serious problems for the DPRK

Why 2020 is Kim Jong Un’s most challenging year yet
Chad O'CarrollChad O'Carroll August 31, 2020