Russia and North Korea Increase Agricultural Trade

Quick Look:

• Russia shipped wheat, corn, cows, and fuel to North Korea.
• North Korea and Russia increased agricultural and fishing collaboration through recent visits.
• U.S. corn planting slowed, with 36% planted, lagging behind the 39% average.
• China remains North Korea’s top partner, with evolving imports and exports.
• Russian strikes killed an agriculture mogul; Ukraine allegedly attacked Sevastopol.

The United States marked the first time this season that its’ market fell behind the five-year average. According to data gathered on 6th May 2024, 36% of the corn crop was planted, a 9% increase from the previous week. However, this figure lags behind the five-year average of 39%. The emergence of corn also witnessed a modest rise, with 12% of the crop emerging, compared to 7% the previous week. The five-year average for this stage is 9%.

Russia Ships 2,270 Tons of Flour, 1,000 Tons of Corn to North Korea

Trade relations between Russia and North Korea continue to expand, particularly in the agricultural sector. In Primorsky Krai, Russia shipped 200 tons of wheat flour and 1,000 tons of corn to North Korea. Krasnoyarsk contributed 540 tons of wheat flour, while Kuzbass added another 530 tons to North Korean shipments.

Other shipments to North Korea included 130 cows, 10 bulls, and 76 tons of pellet fuel. Russia also sent unspecified quantities of wheat flour to Mongolia, China, and Kazakhstan and 21,000 tons of corn to China. Peter Ward, an authority on North Korean economics, noted that these shipments are extremely small and are not expected to make a meaningful difference in the country’s food security.

North Korea and Russia Enhance Agricultural Cooperation

Events have highlighted increasing agricultural cooperation between North Korea and Russia. In late April 2024, a North Korean agricultural delegation visited Russia to discuss trade and cooperation in vegetable production, quotas for North Korean fishermen and plans to train DPRK farmers in Russia. In early February 2024, North Korean agricultural technicians also visited Russia, followed by a visit from DPRK fisheries ministry officials at an unspecified date. These visits underscore the growing collaboration in agriculture and fishing between the two countries.

China-North Korea Trade Sees Shift in Agriculture Produce Imports

China remains North Korea’s largest trading partner, with recent trade trends showing increased imports of fresh fruit, oils, fish, and flavour enhancers into North Korea. Meanwhile, imports of sugar and rice have decreased, indicating a shift in trade priorities. The dynamic trade relationship continues to evolve, reflecting changing consumer demands and market conditions in North Korea.

Russia’s Navy to Get Hypersonic Missiles, Target U.S.

On Navy Day, Russia announced its intention to equip its navy with hypersonic Zircon cruise missiles in the coming months. President Vladimir Putin stated that these missiles, capable of speeds nine times the speed of sound, will enhance Russia’s naval power by outrunning air defences. A new naval doctrine also identified the United States as Russia’s main rival, with ambitions focusing on the Arctic and the Black Sea. The move represents Russia’s strategic shift towards enhancing its maritime capabilities and asserting its influence in critical geopolitical areas.

Russian Strikes Kill Nibulon Founder in Ukraine

Ukraine has faced renewed Russian military aggression, with missile strikes on Mykolaiv on Sunday. This attack led to the deaths of Oleksiy Vadatursky, the founder and owner of the agriculture company Nibulon, and his wife. More than 12 missile strikes hit homes and schools, with strikes resuming in the evening, according to Mykolaiv Governor Vitaliy Kim. In Sevastopol, a presumed drone attack, allegedly by Ukraine, left five people wounded after it flew into the courtyard of Russia’s Black Sea fleet, according to Mikhail Razvozhayev, governor of Sevastopol, and Olga Kovitidi, a member of Russia’s upper house of parliament.