North Korean authorities are restricting the distribution of foreign products in markets while encouraging the sale of domestically produced items. However, people are responding coldly to these locally made goods.
A source in South Pyongan province recently informed Daily NK that Pyongsong’s commerce department issues monthly directives requiring vendors to prioritize domestic products. The source explained that earlier this month, local market management offices were instructed to restrict the promotion and widespread distribution of foreign goods, while requiring domestic products to be prominently displayed for customers.
This move appears to be an attempt to counter the widespread preference for foreign goods among North Koreans by promoting a “our things are best” sentiment.
Pyongsong is particularly significant as it hosts a major wholesale market that attracts distributors from across the country. Market managers there, who are typically party members or relatives of officials, are under intense pressure to fulfill these party directives.
Despite these efforts, consumers remain unimpressed with domestic products. Local residents generally recognize that many so-called domestic items primarily consist of imported components repackaged as North Korean goods. Many dismiss the government’s “our things are best” campaign as unrealistic propaganda that ignores quality issues.
Citizens also complain about the few decent domestic products being prohibitively expensive and limited in quantity. North Korean instant noodles, for example, are priced similarly to Chinese versions but are less popular due to inferior taste and texture. Recently produced necessities like soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, and conditioner from local factories are also widely rejected for their poor quality.
The source reported that laundry soap doesn’t clean effectively, toothpaste lacks flavor, and toothbrushes are too stiff—all contributing to the negative reputation of domestic goods.
Furthermore, people criticize the corruption surrounding these directives, as merchants routinely bribe market supervisors to avoid compliance. Vendors often display domestic products for show while secretly selling foreign goods behind the counter.
“When merchants receive these orders, they pretend to comply by displaying our products, but since they don’t sell, the packaging fades and collects dust,” the source noted. “While the state tries to promote domestic products, forcing the sale of low-quality goods only increases distrust and resentment toward them.”
