North Korea struggles with food shortage despite import rebound

Conditions worsen as necessities languish, causing famine even in Pyongyang

20230712N Hyesan market

The North Korean government has clamped down on food sales by private markets. 

SHIN WATANABE and JUNNOSUKE KOBARA, Nikkei staff writers

DALIAN, China/SEOUL -- Though North Korean imports of goods like tires and tobacco from China have rebounded past pre-pandemic levels, essentials like food and clothing are still down by as much as half while shortages cause hunger even in Pyongyang.

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