Economy
Information related to the North Korea economic sector
North Korean economy grows for first time in four years in 2023: Bank of Korea
New report from Seoul’s central bank finds economy surged 3.1% as the DPRK eased pandemic border controls
Kim Jong Un laments poor preparation after 5000 stranded by floods
State media says city of Sinuiju on China border hit by heavy rains, prompting helicopter rescue operation
North Korea expands factories making anti-tank missiles Russia reportedly wants
Major construction also underway on new underground facilities near weapons plants that could be used for storage
How rigidly socialist North Korea embraced capitalism, on its own eclectic terms
The DPRK turned to foreign trade companies to earn cash when state agencies failed, sometimes through outlandish schemes
Linked by Russia, North Korea and Belarus vow ‘new era’ of bilateral ties
Top diplomats discuss trade and cooperation in Pyongyang, as Moscow pushes economic blocs unaligned with the West
North Korea upgrading over 10 weapons factories in sweeping production push
NK Pro uncovers construction at facilities for missiles, launchers and more as DPRK focuses on deterrence and arms sales
What North Korea’s inflated grain prices reveal about persistent food insecurity
Surging food prices have increased economic pressures on households, even as incomes have dropped since before pandemic
North Korea’s economic dependence on China reached new heights in 2023: Report
KOTRA analysis finds China accounted for 98.3% of DPRK trade, but does not factor in illicit arms sales to Russia
Fabric and wigs top North Korean exports again as Chinese outsourcing continues
Meanwhile, imports of construction materials in June may point to effort to renovate tourism facilities, expert says
North Korea-China trade slumps in first half as Pyongyang focuses on Russia
Exchange declines to $970M in first six months, though expert says too soon to tell if China is expressing displeasure
