May 03, 2024

Economy

Information related to the North Korea economic sector

In limbo: What’s next for North Korea sanctions after Russia vetoes UN watchdog
NK PRO

In limbo: What’s next for North Korea sanctions after Russia vetoes UN watchdog

Last-minute deal to save Panel of Experts looks unlikely, and former members say any replacement would lack UN authority

In limbo: What’s next for North Korea sanctions after Russia vetoes UN watchdog
North Korea hawks marked-up luxury goods to Russian tourists despite sanctions
NK PRO

North Korea hawks marked-up luxury goods to Russian tourists despite sanctions

Exclusive photos show pricey foreign cosmetics for sale at Pyongyang airport and east coast ski resort this year

North Korea hawks marked-up luxury goods to Russian tourists despite sanctions
Joe Smith
Joe Smith March 29, 2024
Ask a North Korean: What is it like to work as an overseas laborer in Russia?

Ask a North Korean: What is it like to work as an overseas laborer in Russia?

A former worker in Far East details why the regime sends citizens abroad and a typical day on a construction site

Ask a North Korean: What is it like to work as an overseas laborer in Russia?
Jin Ju-dong March 29, 2024
North Korean IT workers impersonating Japanese nationals to secure jobs: Tokyo

North Korean IT workers impersonating Japanese nationals to secure jobs: Tokyo

Japan advisory echoes warnings that DPRK overseas laborers are earning millions to fund Pyongyang’s nuclear ambitions

North Korean IT workers impersonating Japanese nationals to secure jobs: Tokyo
Shreyas Reddy
Shreyas Reddy March 26, 2024
North Korea breached oil import cap, smuggling up to 1.5M barrels: Report

North Korea breached oil import cap, smuggling up to 1.5M barrels: Report

55 countries tell UN that DPRK illegally imported oil at least 87 times last year, while China and Russia dispute claims

North Korea breached oil import cap, smuggling up to 1.5M barrels: Report
Anton Sokolin
Anton Sokolin March 22, 2024
North Korea still running COVID import center despite easing border controls
NK PRO

North Korea still running COVID import center despite easing border controls

Continued activity at pandemic-era facilities suggests authorities see political value in strong inspection regime

North Korea still running COVID import center despite easing border controls
Colin Zwirko
Colin Zwirko March 22, 2024
North Korea relies on crypto theft for up to half of foreign income: UN report

North Korea relies on crypto theft for up to half of foreign income: UN report

Panel of Experts estimates DPRK cybercriminals have stolen $3B since 2017 to bankroll regime’s nuclear weapons

North Korea relies on crypto theft for up to half of foreign income: UN report
Shreyas Reddy
Shreyas Reddy March 21, 2024
North Korean wig exports hold strong despite overall decline in trade with China
NK PRO

North Korean wig exports hold strong despite overall decline in trade with China

Expert says slump in bilateral exchange in first two months of 2024 likely due to downturn in Chinese economy

North Korean wig exports hold strong despite overall decline in trade with China
Anton Sokolin
Anton Sokolin March 20, 2024
North Korea’s trade with China slumps in first two months on fall in imports

North Korea’s trade with China slumps in first two months on fall in imports

Overall trade falls from $257M in December to just $120M in February, but DPRK’s exports more than double on year

North Korea’s trade with China slumps in first two months on fall in imports
Anton Sokolin
Anton Sokolin March 19, 2024
North Korea opens massive greenhouse complex, but makes false claims about size
NK PRO

North Korea opens massive greenhouse complex, but makes false claims about size

Claims about bulldozing major military bases to build ‘world’s largest’ farm mislead public about project, NK Pro finds

North Korea opens massive greenhouse complex, but makes false claims about size
Colin Zwirko
Colin Zwirko March 18, 2024