Since August of last year, North Korea has maintained a stable supply of fuel, with indications of further storage facilities construction efforts at the Nampo oil pier.

While cement exports have stopped, there has been a surge in large vessel activity at the container pier. This increase likely stems from the export of wigs and false eyelashes, as well as the import of textiles, plastics, and wig-making materials to and from China. At the coal pier, heavy machinery, like that seen at the Rajin port on the east coast, is being used for coal export operations. This activity appears to be a state-sanctioned effort, likely under China’s protection, to acquire hard currency.

Analysis of import and export activity at the port of Nampo, which handles 70% of North Korea’s maritime trade, reveals that wigs and false eyelashes—non-sanctioned, labor-intensive products—generate the most foreign currency. It is anticipated that North Korea will continue to focus on such labor-intensive, low-tech industries, producing and exporting goods needed by the international community, but requiring minimal large-scale investment or advanced technologies. Simultaneously, North Korea is expected to concentrate on exporting abundant natural resources like coal, likely under the protection of China and Russia, despite sanctions against such trade.