Russia Expands Agricultural Exports to North Korea, Eyes Logistics Improvements
State-run export center highlights wheat flour as dominant trade commodity while exploring new logistics opportunities
Russia significantly increased its agricultural exports to North Korea in 2023, with wheat flour and sugar leading the shipments, according to a state-run export center. The report also pointed to potential opportunities for Russian businesses and enhanced logistics in the Far East.
After a multi-year pause, Russia resumed exports of sunflower oil, pork, frozen fish, and soybeans to North Korea last year, said Agroexport, a government-affiliated center under Russia’s Agriculture Ministry that promotes agricultural trade. In a social media post on Monday, the agency cited expert estimates indicating that Russia shipped approximately 22,000 tons of agricultural products to North Korea in 2024. The top three exported goods were wheat or wheat-rye flour (69%), sugar (10%), and sunflower oil (6%).
Marina Kukla, a professor at Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok specializing in Korean studies, told NK News that Agroexport’s figures appear credible. She noted that Russian products have established a presence in North Korea and hold further potential.
“There’s no need for complex market strategies, localization, or marketing efforts in North Korea,” Kukla said. “However, the market isn’t very large. While exports could grow, it remains a relatively minor market for Russian companies.”
Deepening Trade Ties Amid Broader Cooperation
The trade assessment follows a year of intensified bilateral exchanges between Moscow and Pyongyang. Russian authorities frequently reported agricultural shipments—including corn, seafood, and wheat flour—to North Korea throughout 2024.
Beyond food exports, Russia also delivered hundreds of dairy goats and two dozen elite Orlov Trotter horses, likely intended for North Korea’s leadership and state-run equestrian facilities.
Meanwhile, the number of North Korean firms seeking to export goods to Russia rose last year, with several registering trademarks in Russia to enter the market. One such company, Hwanggumsan, not only registered its brand but also began selling apples in Russia, with its products now available in a major Far Eastern supermarket chain.
Beyond Agriculture: Maritime and Infrastructure Links
While much recent attention has focused on military cooperation—including North Korea’s reported troop deployments to Russia’s Kursk region—the two countries are also strengthening ties in other sectors. North Korean fishing vessels and oil tankers have been frequently docking at Russian Far Eastern ports, signaling growing maritime collaboration.
Agroexport suggested that Russia could further expand exports of fertilizers, seeds, and agricultural equipment to North Korea, whose farming sector has endured decades of sanctions and isolation. Additionally, the DPRK’s limited modernization efforts—such as greenhouse construction and food processing expansion—could open doors for Russian-supplied “integrated solutions,” including greenhouse systems and processing machinery.
“North Korea requires basic agricultural resources, meaning Russian companies can secure a stable niche in a low-competition market,” Agroexport stated. The center also highlighted potential “added benefits” from improving Far Eastern logistics networks to support trade growth.
Challenges and Long-Term Prospects
Peter Ward, a North Korean economy expert at the Sejong Institute, noted that Russia could finance infrastructure projects in North Korea—such as greenhouses, dams, and irrigation systems—at varying scales. However, he cautioned that Russia may struggle to see a strong return on investment or even secure repayment.
Regarding Far Eastern connectivity, Ward told NK News that efforts likely involve port expansions, improved transport links to these ports, and deeper road and rail integration. One example is the planned Russia-North Korea car bridge over the Tumen River, slated for completion by late 2026.
The growing commercial exchanges between Moscow and Pyongyang signal “deeper, non-military cooperation,” Ward said. However, he emphasized that without Russian financing, “very little will actually happen.”
As economic ties evolve, Russia appears poised to deepen its foothold in North Korea’s agricultural sector while exploring broader logistical and infrastructure collaborations—despite the challenges posed by Pyongyang’s economic constraints.
