North Korea: Terms of trade

The latest value from 2021 is 139.85 percent, an increase from 108.57 percent in 2020. In comparison, the world average is 109.62 percent, based on data from 189 countries. Historically, the average for North Korea from 2000 to 2021 is 123.18 percent. The minimum value, 100 percent, was reached in 2015 while the maximum of 154.43 percent was recorded in 2001. See the global rankings for that indicator or use the country comparator to compare trends over time.

The terms of trade for North Korea are calculated as the value of its exports as percent of the value of its imports. An increase in the terms of trade means that the value of exports is increasing relative to the value of imports. The country can afford to buy more imports with the revenue from its exports. For example, an increase in the price of oil increases (improves) the terms of trade for the oil-exporting countries and lowers it for the other countries.

Definition: Net barter terms of trade index is calculated as the percentage ratio of the export unit value indexes to the import unit value indexes, measured relative to the base year 2015.