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Economy

Information related to the North Korea economic sector

North Korea’s economy plagued by “absurdities,” serious challenges: state media

North Korea’s economy plagued by “absurdities,” serious challenges: state media

Rodong Sinmun hails recent reported success, however, while denouncing "economic servitude" caused by foreign aid

North Korea’s economy plagued by “absurdities,” serious challenges: state media
Jeongmin Kim
Jeongmin Kim May 12, 2020
Some North Korean exports to China resold in EU and South Korea, data suggests
NK PRO

Some North Korean exports to China resold in EU and South Korea, data suggests

Figures could represent what may be a significant and previously-unreported loophole in global sanctions regime

Some North Korean exports to China resold in EU and South Korea, data suggests
Jacob Fromer
Jacob Fromer May 11, 2020
Imagery reveals scope of Samjiyon reconstruction project’s “third stage” 
NK PRO

Imagery reveals scope of Samjiyon reconstruction project’s “third stage” 

Most villages in city limits near North Korea's symbolic Mt. Paektu seeing major demolition, reconstruction in 2020

Imagery reveals scope of Samjiyon reconstruction project’s “third stage” 
Colin Zwirko
Colin Zwirko May 8, 2020
North Korean online trading portal offers escrow payment system to users

North Korean online trading portal offers escrow payment system to users

Jagangryok intranet service appears to be first to offer escrow payments in DPRK

North Korean online trading portal offers escrow payment system to users
Chad O'Carroll
Chad O'Carroll May 8, 2020
North Korean media lauds new fertilizer factory, rejects “reform and opening”

North Korean media lauds new fertilizer factory, rejects “reform and opening”

State-run outlets hail Sunchon facilities as a "cutting-edge fort" in the face of foreign pressure

North Korean media lauds new fertilizer factory, rejects “reform and opening”
Jeongmin Kim
Jeongmin Kim May 5, 2020
North Korean port back in service as some quarantine measures remain in place
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North Korean port back in service as some quarantine measures remain in place

Ships seen transiting in and out of Nampho while some remain anchored in latest satellite imagery

North Korean port back in service as some quarantine measures remain in place
Min Chao Choy
Min Chao Choy May 5, 2020
Temporary worker structure removal begins at Wonsan-Kalma beach resort
NK PRO

Temporary worker structure removal begins at Wonsan-Kalma beach resort

Removal could be a sign that construction on key North Korean project is winding down ahead of delayed opening

Temporary worker structure removal begins at Wonsan-Kalma beach resort
Colin Zwirko
Colin Zwirko May 4, 2020
Kim Jong Un’s waterslide boat under repair in Wonsan ahead of annual outings
NK PRO

Kim Jong Un’s waterslide boat under repair in Wonsan ahead of annual outings

Satellite imagery analysis reveals megaship with an Olympic-size pool was used at Kim’s Wonsan villa last summer

Kim Jong Un’s waterslide boat under repair in Wonsan ahead of annual outings
Colin Zwirko
Colin Zwirko May 1, 2020
Timeline: from a delayed parliamentary meeting to Kim Jong Un health rumors
NK PRO

Timeline: from a delayed parliamentary meeting to Kim Jong Un health rumors

NK Pro timeline charts key events from March 31 - April 30

Timeline: from a delayed parliamentary meeting to Kim Jong Un health rumors
NK Pro
NK Pro May 1, 2020
Why North Korea’s economy could see a return to rapid inflation soon
NK PRO

Why North Korea’s economy could see a return to rapid inflation soon

News of plans for a government bond issuance suggests major price instability could be on the horizon

Why North Korea’s economy could see a return to rapid inflation soon
Peter Ward
Peter Ward May 1, 2020