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Economy

Information related to the North Korea economic sector

Kim Jong Un vets 10-year plan to build more hospitals in visit to pilot project
News

Kim Jong Un vets 10-year plan to build more hospitals in visit to pilot project

North Korean leader turns focus from military for first time in weeks after managing warship fiasco and Russia ties

Kim Jong Un vets 10-year plan to build more hospitals in visit to pilot project
Colin ZwirkoColin Zwirko June 3, 2025
North Korea in May 2025: A month in review and what’s ahead
Month in Review

North Korea in May 2025: A month in review and what’s ahead

An analytical look at the main developments from May 1 to May 31, 2025

North Korea in May 2025: A month in review and what’s ahead
James FretwellJames Fretwell | NK Pro June 2, 2025
Russia looks to speed up construction of new car bridge to North Korea
News

Russia looks to speed up construction of new car bridge to North Korea

Draft decree moves up completion date from end of next year to June 2026, targeting anniversary of Kim-Putin summit

Russia looks to speed up construction of new car bridge to North Korea
Anton SokolinAnton Sokolin June 2, 2025
China paints road on unused bridge to North Korea in sign of prep for opening
Investigations

China paints road on unused bridge to North Korea in sign of prep for opening

Messages directing traffic appear as DPRK continues work on possible trade facilities near notorious ‘bridge to nowhere’

China paints road on unused bridge to North Korea in sign of prep for opening
Anton SokolinAnton Sokolin | Fred Lee May 30, 2025
North Korean firms tout labor exports and luxury goods despite sanctions
News

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

North Korean firms tout labor exports and luxury goods despite sanctions
Anton SokolinAnton Sokolin May 28, 2025
Why North Korea’s bold experiment with raising wages is destined to fail
Opinion

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

Why North Korea’s bold experiment with raising wages is destined to fail
Chan Young BangChan Young Bang May 27, 2025
Sanctioned peanuts and other North Korean goods set to enter Russia: Records
News

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

Sanctioned peanuts and other North Korean goods set to enter Russia: Records
Anton SokolinAnton Sokolin May 26, 2025
Every company that joined North Korea’s not-so-international spring trade fair
Analysis

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

Every company that joined North Korea’s not-so-international spring trade fair
Shreyas ReddyShreyas Reddy May 21, 2025
North Korea imports $32M in food in April, continues sanctioned textile trade
News

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

North Korea imports $32M in food in April, continues sanctioned textile trade
Ifang BremerIfang Bremer May 21, 2025
North Korean firm unveils new AI-powered smartphone at Pyongyang trade fair
News

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

North Korean firm unveils new AI-powered smartphone at Pyongyang trade fair
Shreyas ReddyShreyas Reddy May 20, 2025