Economy
Information related to the North Korea economic sector
North Korea allowing select Chinese merchants to visit border city of Rason
Entry reportedly requires invitation from DPRK firm, suggesting limited push for investment amid continuing restrictions
November 25, 2025
China erects giant triumphal arch at unopened border bridge to North Korea
New border gate dwarfing existing one underscores continued Chinese investment in projects aimed at boosting trade
November 24, 2025
North Korean power plant suffered catastrophic failure before opening
Satellite imagery reveals pressure blowout at hydroelectric Tanchon Power Station that has required months of repairs
November 24, 2025
Chinese expert details new law that has fueled North Korea’s private car boom
Revisions finalized in January encourage consumer spending while seeking to maintain state control over vehicle market
November 21, 2025
Kim Jong Un opens new power station aimed at fixing rural ‘electricity problem’
North Korean leader says ‘Army-People’ facility will lead Kangwon to ‘affluent life,’ after drawn-out construction
November 21, 2025
North Korea imported X-ray, CT machines from China ahead of hospital openings
Data shows DPRK brought in $2.1M in medical equipment in October, while exporting sanctioned iron and seafood
November 20, 2025
US senators sound alarm over alleged sale of Trump-backed crypto to North Korea
Reported links between actors tied to DPRK and World Liberty Financial raise security concerns, Democrats warn
November 20, 2025
Russian airline begins routing flights over North Korea, long avoided by others
S7 Airline’s flights between Vladivostok and Shanghai likely net the DPRK fees but raise safety, sanctions concerns
November 19, 2025
North Korean trade with China slumps to $227M in October as exports bottom out
Decline follows an uptick in bilateral exchange in September, which had appeared to point to improving ties
November 19, 2025
North Korea sees surge to at least 14 smartphone brands on back of Chinese tech
Analysis of trade fairs point to expanding domestic manufacturing but continued reliance on sanctioned Chinese services
November 19, 2025
