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<p>The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) does not produce economic statistics,
meaning the UK cannot make an accurate assessment on the level of imports of luxury
goods. A recent report produced by the UN Panel of Experts, established under UN Security
Council Resolutions imposing sanctions on the DPRK, notes ongoing investigations regarding
potential violations of sanctions through the import of luxury goods, including some
items originating from European states.</p><p>We are also aware of recent South Korean
media reports which suggest that the DPRK imported luxury goods worth (US) $644m during
2013. However, given the lack of reliable data, it is difficult to assess the impact
of the import of luxury goods on the provision of food for the general population.
Should it be proven that the DPRK authorities chose to spend resources on luxury goods
rather than feeding the population, this would not only be a deliberate breach of
sanctions but would seriously call into question the regime’s economic prioritisation.</p><p>Despite
generally good aggregate cereal harvests for the fourth consecutive year in 2014/15,
16 million people remain chronically food insecure and highly vulnerable to production
shocks. The UN Food and Agricultural Organisation/World Food Programme Crop and Food
Security Assessment Mission to the DPRK 2013, reported an estimated uncovered food
deficit of 40,000 tonnes for that marketing year. The report stated that the food
security situation remained similar to previous years with most households having
borderline and poor food consumption.</p><p> </p>
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