Suspended smuggling drives up prices of Chinese imports in North Korea’s Hyesan
After North Korea recently suspended under-the-table trade it had been organizing in Hyesan, Ryanggang province, prices of imported goods have been surging.
"The state-sponsored smuggling...
North Korean traditional medicine factories target Chinese market as domestic demand falls flat
North Korean traditional medicine factories are flooding Chinese border cities with herbal remedies as domestic demand collapses, with factories scrambling to secure cash for...
Obsolete Chinese used cars break down frequently, leaving N. Korean owners in debt while...
Frequent breakdowns of obsolete Chinese used cars are costing North Korean owners more in repairs than the vehicles' purchase price, as exporters ship scrap-ready...
N. Korean consulate vans transport false eyelashes and wigs to bypass Dandong customs inspections
Chinese companies have resumed contract manufacturing with North Korean firms after agreeing to higher rates, with trade rebounding to $69,000 monthly as consulate vans...
Chinese manufacturers resume North Korean piecework after agreeing to 7–10% rate increase
Contract manufacturing for false eyelashes, wigs and costume beards rebounds as Chinese companies abandon Southeast Asian alternatives due to high shipping costs and poor...
Hyesan excludes unmarried workers from China dispatch, using families as ‘hostages’ against defection
Ryanggang province authorities now require overseas candidates to be married with children, tightening selection criteria as regime seeks to prevent defections by holding family...
N. Korea aims to expand mineral trade despite sanctions
North Korea has recently taken steps to expand its mineral trade despite international sanctions.
According to a Daily NK source in China recently, a large...
North Korea abruptly recalls trade representatives from China, replaces some with new officials
North Korea has abruptly recalled trade representatives from China and replaced some with new officials in an apparent bid to boost foreign currency earnings...
Hongxiang Group executives return to Pyongyang years after U.S. froze assets for sanctions violations
Representatives from Chinese companies that previously dealt with North Korea recently visited the country, including a company that was sanctioned for providing supplies for...
North Korea begins recruiting young women for dispatch to Chinese factories
South Pyongan province in North Korea has begun selecting workers to be dispatched to China following orders from the Central Committee of the Workers'...
