North Korea’s procurement of cars, diamonds highlights extensive trade network



Analysis North Korea’s procurement of cars, diamonds highlights extensive trade network NK Pro analysis shows Pyongyang’s networks extend beyond China, with multiple nations offering goods to the regime Anton Sokolin February 10, 2025 SHARE COPY LINK FACEBOOK X LINKEDIN MASTODON The Zaisan Memorial in honor of fallen Mongolian and Soviet soldiers overlooking Ulaanbaatar \| Image: NK Pro (April, 2024) North Korea continues to exploit global trade loopholes to acquire sanctioned goods, sourcing vehicles, industrial equipment and luxury items from countries beyond China, its largest trading partner. NK Pro analysis of trade data from Mongolia and India found that Pyongyang circumvented U.N. sanctions, securing a passenger car from Mongolia and high-value exports like diamonds, aluminum and telecom equipment from India. While China remains North Korea’s dominant trading partner — accounting for over 98% of its global trade in 2023 and totaling $2.2 billion in 2024 alone — Pyongyang maintains active commercial ties across Asia, Africa and Europe, according to Read More © Korea Risk Group. All rights reserved. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from Korea Risk Group. LATEST ANALYSIS 01North Korea’s procurement of cars, diamonds highlights extensive trade network 02North Korea deepens Belarus relations but keeps focus on Moscow and Washington 03North Korea starts new project at large-scale military training base 04North Korea lets slip where special forces trained before Russia deployment 05Trump’s first-week overtures on North Korea are unlikely to entice Kim Jong Un 06In changing world, North Korea has little to gain from pro-regime sympathizers 07Why North Korea’s top military official may have been quietly demoted once again 08Where North Korea ranks in Trump’s foreign policy priorities for term two

Analysis

North Korea’s procurement of cars, diamonds highlights extensive trade network

NK Pro analysis shows Pyongyang’s networks extend beyond China, with multiple nations offering goods to the regime

Anton Sokolin February 10, 2025

North Korea’s procurement of cars, diamonds highlights extensive trade network

The Zaisan Memorial in honor of fallen Mongolian and Soviet soldiers overlooking Ulaanbaatar | Image: NK Pro (April, 2024)

North Korea continues to exploit global trade loopholes to acquire sanctioned goods, sourcing vehicles, industrial equipment and luxury items from countries beyond China, its largest trading partner.

NK Pro analysis of trade data from Mongolia and India found that Pyongyang circumvented U.N. sanctions, securing a passenger car from Mongolia and high-value exports like diamonds, aluminum and telecom equipment from India.

While China remains North Korea’s dominant trading partner — accounting for over 98% of its global trade in 2023 and totaling $2.2 billion in 2024 alone — Pyongyang maintains active commercial ties across Asia, Africa and Europe, according to

North Korea’s procurement of cars, diamonds highlights extensive trade network

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Anton Sokolin