Economic
Sharp North Korean Won depreciation and elevated market prices reported
North Korean currency continues to weaken against the U.S. dollar and local staple prices remain high, indicating sustained economic stress.
Recent data from Daily NK show that the North Korean won has sharply depreciated against the U.S. dollar, with exchange rates in key cities such as Pyongyang, Sinuiju and Hyesan all above 51,000 KPW per USD as of mid‑March 2026. Rice prices in Pyongyang are reported at around 24,700 KPW per kilogram, reflecting persistent inflationary pressure in basic food markets. The combination of currency depreciation and high staple prices indicates ongoing macroeconomic instability and economic hardship for North Korean households.
- Status
- active
- Location
- Pyongyang, North Korea
- Date added
- 2026-03-25 18:25 UTC
- Last updated
- 2026-03-25 18:25 UTC
- Connected threats
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- Not Available