N. Korean economy grows over 3% for 3rd consecutive year in 2025: BOK

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 ...