This report was originally published in Japanese in April 2020. The original report is here.

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Introduction

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Chapter 1 Economic and Diplomatic Battles Over Sanctions――North Korea’s New Two-Track Path in Facing Prolonged Negotiations

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Chapter 2 Sluggish External Trade――As North Korea’s Dependence on China Nears Its Limits, Novel Coronavirus Emerges as a Risk

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Chapter 3 Kim Jong-un’s Economic Reforms at a Crossroads――Initiatives for establishing a cabinet-led system

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Chapter 4 North Korea’s Commodity Economy in Transition――Trade Fairs See Domestic Companies Competing on Quality and Chinese Companies Making Their Presence Felt

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Chapter 5 The Positives and Negatives of North Korea’s Regional Economies――While Everyday Lives Are Improving, Delays in Rebuilding Heavy Industry Become Starkly Apparent

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Chapter 6: Gradual Progress in Infrastructure Development at North Korea’s Border with China――Both Countries Preparing to Cooperate Once Sanctions Are Relaxed

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Chapter 7 Food Issues Hold the Key to Self-Reliance―Strengthening the Agricultural Sector and Requesting International Support

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Chapter 8 Diplomatic Games by Other Countries Over Tourism――North Korea’s Hints at Unilateral Development of Mount Kumgang Pose a Dilemma for South Korea

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