DPRK Economic statistics « North Korean Economy Watch

DPRK Economic statistics

The DPRK ceased publishing economic performance statistics (Net Material Product-NMP tables) in 1965, and the last state budget was announced for FY 2001 (21,570,800,000 won), but no budget numbers have been reported since, only percentage increases and composition percentages.

Today, the DPRK releases economic data only on rare occasions, but aside from the lack of availability, there are numerous other problems with using the DPRK’s economic data to obtain credible insight into the North Korean economy. As a result, governments, academic organizations, NGOs, think tanks, businesses and journalists compile estimates of North Korea’s economic performance through a variety of innovative techniques. Below I list the most frequently cited sources of North Korean economic statistics. Additional suggestions are welcome.

Quick References

Central Intelligence Agency World Fact Book (USA)

North Korean Statistics (Statistics Korea–in Korean only)

Information System for Resources of North Korea (I-RENK–in Korean only)

Korea Development Institute, North Korea Economic Studies
–2020/2021 The DPRK Economic Outlook (2021-7)
–North Korea’s GDP: Features and Issues (2021-5)

Korea Institute for National Unification (KINU)
–Analysis of the 4th Session of the 14th Supreme People’s Assembly in North Korea: A Focus on Budget and Accounts (2021-1-22)

Bank of Korea (South Korea)
-DPRK Economy 2022: English PDF (2022-8)
-DPRK Economy 2021: English PDF, Korean PDF (2022-7-27)
-DPRK Economy 2020: English PDF (2021-7-30)
-DPRK Economy 2019: English PDF (2020-7-31)
-DPRK Economy 2018: English PDF (2019-8)
-DPRK Economy 2017: English PDF, Korean PDF (2018-7-20)
-DPRK Economy 2016: English PDF, Korean PDF (2017-7-21)
-DPRK Economy 2015: English PDF (2016-7-22)
-DPRK Economy 2014: English PDF, Korean PDF (2015-7-17)
-DPRK Economy 2013: English PDF, Korean PDF (2014-6-27)
-DPRK Economy 2012: English PDFÂ (2013-7-12)
-DPRK Economy 2011: English PDF (2012-7-9)
-DPRK Economy 2010: English PDF (2011-11-3)
-DPRK Economy 2009: English PDF, Korean PDF (2010-6-28)
–DPRK economy 2008 (published 2009-6-28)
–DPRK economy 2007 (published 2008-6-18)
–DPRK economy 2006 (published 2007-8-16)
–DPRK Economy 2002
–DPRK Economy 2001
–DPRK economy 1999

Ministry of Unification (South Korea)
–MoU DPRK Information Portal (Korean only)
–English web page
–Leadership Structure
–Weekly Reports
–Data and Statistics
–Refugees
–Inter-Korean Exchanges
–Resettlement Manual

Angus Maddison historical research on GDP/per capita GDP over time.

Sanctions information: US Treasury Department information on North Korea. Here are the changes to the OFAC Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List since 2015-1-1. Here is the US Treasury’s Specially Designated Nationals List datbase. US Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security and Consolidated Screening List. UNSC Panel of Experts list of sanctioned individuals and organizations (English) (Korean). UK list of sanctioned individuals and organizations (2016-5-20)

Country Data Report for Korea, North, 1996-2009 (World Bank)

International Energy Agency (IEA) data on the DPRK. To access the data, go to the “Countries Beyond the OECD” box and select “Korea, Democratic Peoples Republic of”.

U.S. Overseas Loans and Grants to North Korea

CIA FOIA Library

Major Statistics Indicators of North Korea (Statistical anthologies)

North Korea in the World (NCNK)

KOTRA reports: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016.

18. Bank of Korea Working Papers

WHO country cooperation strategy Democratic People’s Republic of Korea: 2014-2019

State of the Environment 2003

Publications

CRS reports on North Korea are here.

Assessing the Economic Performance of North Korea, 1954-1989: Byung-Yeon Kim, Suk Jin Kim, Keun Lee

Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (link)
–North Korea Development Report 2003/04 (Summary)
–North Korea Development Report 2002/03 (Summary)

Nautilus Institute:
–Provision of humanitarian energy efficiency, renewable energy, and micro grid measures to the DPRK for cooperative threat reduction (2021-5-10)
–Foundations of Energy Security for the DPRK: 1990-2009
–2010 DPRK energy and minerals working group: von Hippel, Yoon, Aden, Choi, Hayes/Hippel
–Status and Future of the North Korean Minerals Sector, Edward Yoon
–Trade with China 1995-2009 (June 2011). August 2006 version here.
–DPRK Briefing Book
–Strategies for the Rehabilitation of the DPRK Energy Sector

US Geological Surveys of North Korea: 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994.

Minerals Yearbook: 2012, 2013, 2014

DPRK Economic Statistics Project (March 2009)

Guidebook for European Investors in the DPRK by the EU-Korea Economic Cooperation Agency

North Korea Inc., John S. Park, US Institute of Peace

Criminal Sovereignty: Understanding North Korea’s Illicit International Activities, Strategic Studies Institute

Coming in from the Cold? An Update on North Korea’s External Economic Relations, Institut Francais des Relations Internationales (IFRI)

Role of International Financial Institutions in North Korea’s Economic Development, Samsung Economic Research Institute, November 2009

North Korea: Migration Patterns and Prospects, Courtland Robinson, JHU

Chinese Infrastructure and Natural Resources Investments in North Korea, Daniel Gearin, October 10, 2010

Financial Tracking Service (Learn about FTS here)

Economic Issues: Perspectives on North Korea

United Nations Documents

UN Sustainable Development Goals (Voluntary National Review): DPRK Portal

–2021 Voluntary national Review

Security Council Committee Established Pursuant to Resolution 1718 (2006) Panel of Experts reports:

-S/2022/668 (2022-9-7)
Midterm report of the Panel of Experts submitted pursuant to resolution 2627 (2022)
-S/2020/840 (2020-8-28)
Midterm report of the Panel of Experts submitted pursuant to resolution 2515 (2020)
S/2020/151 (2020-3-2)
Final report of the Panel of Experts submitted pursuant to resolution 2464 (2019)
S/2019/691 (2019-8-30)
Midterm report of the Panel of Experts submitted pursuant to resolution 2464 (2019)
S/2019/171 (2019-3-5)
Final report of the Panel of Experts submitted pursuant to resolution 2407 (2018)
S/2018/171 (2018-3-5)
Final Report of the Panel of Experts established pursuant to resolution 1874 (2017)
S/2017/742 (2017-9-5)
Midterm Report of the Panel of Experts established pursuant to resolution 1874 (2017)
S/2017/150 (2017-2-27)
Final report of the Panel of Experts submitted pursuant to resolution 2207 (2016)
S/2016/157 (2016-2-24) (Summary 1, Summary 2)
Final report of the Panel of Experts submitted pursuant to resolution 2207 (2015)
S/2015/131 (2015-2-23)
Final report of the Panel of Experts submitted pursuant to resolution 2141 (2014)
S/2014/147 (2014-3-6)
Final report of the Panel of Experts submitted pursuant to resolution 2094 (2013)
S/2013/337 (2013-6-11)
Final report of the Panel of Experts submitted pursuant to resolution 2050 (2012)
S/2012/422 (2012-6-4)
Final report of the Panel of Experts submitted pursuant to resolution 1985 (2011)
S/2010/571 (2010-11-5)
Final report of the Panel of Experts submitted pursuant to resolution 1874 (2009)