Sunday, May 4, 2025

North Korea Economy 5-4-25

2024-2025: It's difficult to find exact forecasts, but one source suggests a 2025 nominal GDP of $18.45 billion USD, with a long-term projection of around $19 billion by 2026, per Trading Economics global macro models and analyst expectations.  

North Korea's population is estimated to have grown from approximately 26.1 million in 2020 to 26.57 million in 2025. 

In 2023, North Korea's nominal per capita GDP was estimated to be $1,217. Data for the years 2020-2022 indicate a range of values between $590 and $654 per capita. UN data.

North Korea's trade balance has historically been negative, meaning imports exceed exports. In 2023, North Korea's exports totaled $379.87 million, while imports reached $2.08364 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $1.70377 billion. This trend has continued since 2020, with both exports and imports declining due to factors like international sanctions and COVID-19 related border closures. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=n+korea+imports+exports+trade+balance+2020+to+present

North Korea continues to export coal despite UN sanctions, mainly to China, utilizing ship-to-ship transfers. While the UN has banned North Korean coal exports, they have been found to continue, sometimes through illegal means like using barges or ship-to-ship transfers. In 2020, North Korea was estimated to have earned between $330 million and $410 million in coal exports, despite the sanctions. Recent reports indicate that coal prices in North Korea have risen, mirroring international energy price spikes. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=n+korea+coal+exports+2020+to+present

South Korea Government debt accounted for 45.7 % of the country's Nominal GDP in Sep 2024, compared with the ratio of 46.1 % in the previous quarter.

South Korea government debt to GDP ratio data is updated quarterly, available from Sep 2002 to Sep 2024.

The data reached an all-time high of 46.4 % in Sep 2023 and a record low of 15.3 % in Mar 2003.

https://www.ceicdata.com/en/indicator/korea/government-debt--of-nominal-gdp

What are the US sanctions on North Korea?

The measures provided for by Security Council resolution 2321 introduce additional bans on trade, economic, banking, financial, scientific and technical cooperation with North Korea. In the trade and economic field, the purchase of copper, nickel, silver and zinc from the North Korea is prohibited.

https://www.google.com/search?q=us++sanctions+on+n+korea++april+2025

Officially, North Korea is an "independent socialist state" which holds democratic elections; however, outside observers have described the elections as unfair, uncompetitive, and pre-determined, in a manner similar to elections in the Soviet Union. The Workers' Party of Korea is the ruling party of North Korea.

https://www.google.com/search?q=n+korea+current+political+situation

In 2025, North Korea faces challenges related to its relationship with both Russia and the United States, as well as ongoing human rights concerns and the increasing risk of military escalation. Kim Jong-un's regime is seeking to strengthen its military capabilities and has deepened its relationship with Russia, including providing military assistance in the Ukraine war. Simultaneously, North Korea is navigating the return of the Trump administration and the political instability in South Korea. The ongoing human rights situation, including restrictions on freedom of expression and access to information, remains a significant concern. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=n+korea+problems+2025

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

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