It is known that artificial eyelashes manufactured in North Korea were packaged in China and exported around the world. North Korean authorities generated hundreds of billions of won in sales through this.
On the 3rd (local time), Reuters reported, based on interviews citing industry workers, trade lawyers, and North Korean economic experts, that Chinese companies are importing, packaging, and selling artificial eyelash products that are semi-manufactured in North Korea.
The export value of artificial eyelashes is in the hundreds of billions of won, and some say it led the recovery in North Korea’s exports last year.
North Korea’s exports have plummeted since 2021 when borders were closed due to COVID-19. Since last year, when China lifted the COVID-19 blockade and opened its borders, North Korea’s exports to China more than doubled compared to the previous year.
About 60% of exports to China were made up of artificial hair products, including artificial eyelashes, wigs, and beards. North Korea has been earning foreign currency by exporting artificial eyelashes and wigs in the past. Last year, they exported 1,680 tons worth about $167 million (about 223.5 billion won). In 2019, when product prices were low, the export volume was 1,829 tons, but the export amount was only $31.1 million (about 41.6 billion won).
Experts estimate that up to 90% of exports go to the North Korean regime.
Since 2006, the UN Security Council has adopted resolutions on sanctions against North Korea in relation to North Korea’s nuclear tests and missile launches, restricting North Korea’s trade in coal, oil, and textiles, as well as employment of overseas workers.
Experts are of the opinion that since there is no direct embargo on hair products within UN Security Council sanctions, the trade in artificial eyelashes cannot necessarily be considered a violation of international law.
North Korean eyelashes that went to China gather in China’s Pingdu region. Many companies in Pingdu are packaging and exporting artificial eyelashes made in North Korea.
Chinese factory officials said that eyelash companies in China began trading high-quality, low-priced North Korean eyelash products in the early 2000s.
However, the wages of the workers who produce it are said to be poor. Chinese factory managers said North Korean workers’ wages could be one-tenth that of Chinese workers.
Choi Jae-ho,
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.