The Sanctions Effect in North Korea: Observations from Rason

Two women working at a bottling plant in Kangso, P'yongan-namdo, North Korea Two women working at a bottling plant in Kangso, P'yongan-namdo, North Korea

Two women working at a bottling plant in Kangso, P'yongan-namdo, North Korea. Photo Credit: NViktor via Flickr/Creative Commons

“Prices for some products [in North Korea] have fluctuated slightly, but shortages are not reported, and consumption still continues, " writes Andray Abrahamian for 38 North following a visit to North Korea for the 8th International Rason Trade Fair. "Still, sanctions have caused enough problems that expressions of hope for the success of this year’s summit diplomacy are universal among North Koreans in Rason and elsewhere.”