The Bank of Korea estimated that North Korea’s real GDP increased 3.5% in 2025, compared with 3.7% in 2024. Manufacturing expanded 6.6% and construction grew 6.3%, while agriculture, forestry and fishing returned to growth at 3.6%. Mining growth slowed to 1.6%, and electricity, gas and water production declined 0.4%. North Korea’s nominal gross national income rose 9.4% to KRW 48.5 trillion, with per capita GNI reaching KRW 1.87 million. External trade increased 16% to USD 3.13 billion, comprising USD 470 million of exports and USD 2.66 billion of imports, while no goods were transported between North and South Korea. The estimates use South Korean prices and value-added ratios and therefore should not be directly compared with other countries’ national accounts.
Bank of Korea2026-07-31
Bank of Korea estimates North Korea’s real GDP grew 3.5% in 2025
The Bank of Korea estimated that North Korea’s real GDP grew 3.5% in 2025, led by manufacturing, construction and a return to growth in agriculture, forestry and fishing. Nominal GNI reached KRW 48.5 trillion, while external trade rose 16% to USD 3.13 billion. The estimates use South Korean prices and value-added ratios.