This analysis provides an overview of the most significant developments in the North Korean economy in August of this year. It surveys the state of affairs within the following areas: policy (domestic and international), trade, and market prices. Note: this analysis includes some developments from early September.

August did not see any major change in the sanctions regime or its impact on the North Korean economy. South Korea has consistently been pushing to open its long-planned liason office in Kaesong, seen as a first, tangible step toward more inter-Korean economic cooperation projects. The sanctions regime and U.S. attitudes