North Korea’s economy expands by about 3.5% in 2025, marking the third consecutive year of growth above 3%, according to a report cited by South Korea’s central bank, the Bank of Korea (BOK). The BOK estimates 2025 real GDP growth at 3.5% year-on-year, after 3.7% growth in 2024 and 3.1% growth in 2023. The BOK attributes the sustained expansion to broader economic cooperation with Russia, higher trade with China, and domestic policy projects. It also says North Korea’s real GDP has risen above its 2017 level, when United Nations sanctions were imposed. Both reports link the performance to deeper ties with Russia and China. One source also notes North Korea deploys around 15,000 combat troops to support Russia in its war against Ukraine after a strategic partnership treaty signed in June 2024. Sector data cited indicate mining and manufacturing grows 4.9% year-on-year in 2025, reflecting increases in manufacturing activity.
North Korea’s economy grows 3.5% in 2025 for third straight year, BOK says
North Korea’s economy expands by about 3.5% in 2025, marking the third consecutive year of growth above 3%, according to a report cited by South Korea’s central bank, the Bank of Korea (BOK). The BOK...
- South Korea’s Bank of Korea estimates North Korea’s GDP grew about 3.5% in 2025.
- The 2025 result marks the third consecutive year of growth above 3% (after 3.7% in 2024 and 3.1% in 2023).
- The BOK credits expanded economic cooperation with Russia and increased trade with China, along with domestic national policy projects.
- The BOK says North Korea’s real GDP has surpassed its 2017 level, before UN sanctions took full effect.
- Sector reporting cited shows mining and manufacturing growth of 4.9% year-on-year in 2025.
The North Korean economy grew more than 3 percent for the third consecutive year in 2025, supported by expanded economic cooperation with Russia, South Korea's central bank said Friday. North Korea's gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated to have expanded 3.5 percent from a year earlier in 2025, following 3.7 percent on-year growth in 2024 and 3.1 percent growth in 2023, according to a report from the Bank of Korea (BOK). "Expanded economic cooperation with Russia, increased trade with China and national policy projects helped North Korea post growth of more than 3 percent for three consecutive years," a BOK official said. "In particular, the North's real GDP has surpassed its 2017 level, when United Nations sanctions were imposed," the official added. Pyongyang deployed around 15,000 combat troops to support Russia in its war against Ukraine after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a strategic partnership treaty in June 2024. The mining and manufacturing sector rose 4.9 percent on-year in 2025 on an increase in the manufacturing industry. The BO
4 hours agoThis marks a third consecutive year of growth above 3% for North Korea, with its economy surpassing 2017 levels before UN sanctions took full effect.
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