North Korea’s rice prices fall for the first time in two months

North Korean rice prices fell for the first time in over two months in 2026, according to a regular market survey by Daily NK. The price of domestically grown rice dropped by 3.6% to 45,100 won per kilogram in a Pyongyang market, from 45,100 won two weeks prior. A similar decline of 4% was observed in Hyesan, Ryanggang province, where rice sold for 45,300 won.

Prior to July, rice prices had climbed sharply beginning in April and peaked at 40,000 won or more. The recent price drop is attributed to holiday supplies distributed ahead of North Korea's Sept. 9 founding anniversary, as well as tightened border controls. Corn prices rose modestly, while the North Korean currency slightly steadied, likely due to the border restrictions. Fuel prices, however, continued to increase.