While imported metal tiles are the most popular roofing material for North Korean homes, the real best-seller is locally made tiles, which are cheaper, Daily NK has learned.
“Roof tiles in Hyesan these days are divided by quality into Grade A and Grade B, both of which are imported, and Grade C, which is locally produced. The imported Grade B tiles are the most popular, but the cheaper domestic Grade C tiles are the hottest sellers,” a source in Yanggang Province told Daily NK on Thursday, speaking on condition of anonymity.
According to the source, Grade A imported tiles, which are made of ceramic, are so expensive that hardly anyone buys them. Grade B imported tiles, which are made of metal, are shock-resistant and unlikely to break, while also being relatively affordable, making them quite popular.
However, Grade B tiles do not sell very well because they are still more expensive than Grade C domestic tiles.
Although Grade C domestic tiles are clearly of inferior quality to imported tiles, people still seek them out simply because they are the cheapest option, the source said.
The current prices of tiles (per square meter) in Hyesan are as follows: Grade A imported tiles (ceramic) sell for 42 yuan (KPW 7,800), Grade B imported tiles (metal) sell for 18 yuan ( KPW 3,300), and Grade C domestic tiles sell for 11 yuan (KPW 2,000).
“Since wealthy families live in apartments, expensive ceramic tiles don’t suit the financial situation of North Koreans who live in one-story houses, so they are not popular. Metal tiles have always been popular and are the typical roofing choice for families who can afford them,” the source said.
But since most North Koreans have been struggling financially since the pandemic, the number of families buying metal tiles has dropped significantly, the source said.
When demand for metal tiles was high, wholesalers in Hyesan would transport them inland. However, with demand for metal tiles dropping across the board, the wholesalers are struggling to make money and may have to move into other businesses, the source said.
“April is the time when families often replace tiles damaged during the winter to prepare for the summer monsoon. Earlier, there were quite a few people who opted for durable metal tiles instead of household tiles. But these days, most people have to tighten their belts and can’t even afford to think about replacing their old tiles with metal ones,” the source said.
Rural housing projects lead to skyrocketing demand for roofing tiles
On a related note, the demand for domestic tiles has reportedly been very high lately as these tiles are being used to roof new houses being built in rural areas.
“The cost of tiles used on the roofs of newly built rural houses is ultimately borne by ordinary people. Even though the construction of rural houses is a state project, the materials needed for the construction are provided by the provinces, cities and counties. This means that bricks are one of the materials that must be provided through ‘non-tax burdens’ on the general public,” the source said.
“People who can’t afford to replace broken tiles in their own homes are naturally angry about having to pay for tiles on newly built houses in the countryside. But since people can’t voice their grievances openly, they’re left to stew in their own juices,” the source said.
Translated by David Carruth. Edited by Robert Lauler.
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