Taking advantage of the good relationship and the close business ties that exist between both countries, several companies North Korea have requested permission to sell their products in Russia.
The media that, at the end of 2024, a North Korean alcohol producer linked to the military, Naegohyang Trading Company, applied to register its trademark in Russia. For its part, two pharmaceutical companies of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) are also seeking establish itself in the Russian market.
Naegohyang Trading Company: expansion in Russia
Naegohyang Trading Company, also known as Naegohyang Joint Venture, is one of the most prominent companies in North Koreainvolved in the production of numerous products that include from cigarettes y sporting goods until alcoholic beverages.
The company, which began as a cigarette manufacturer and popularized the premium brand 7.27also produces liquors like soju and plans to sell products like kimchi, cakes, tobacco y alcoholic beverages (except beer) in Russia. This application to the Federal Intellectual Property Service of Russia (Rospatent) is part of its international expansion strategy.
What sets Naegohyang apart is its close ties with the North Korean military. This under the ownership of the Ministry of Defense of the DPRK, which has allowed it to diversify its operations in multiple sectors and continue growing without restrictions. In addition, the company has made inroads into sports, with the creation of a women’s football team in 2012 and the promoting your own sportswear linewhich according to state media, rivals global giants such as Adidas and Puma.
If Naegohyang’s request is approved, he would become the second North Korean alcohol maker confirmed to enter Russian marketafter Taedonggang Brewerya brewer in the country, would do the same in August 2024. However, no evidence has yet been seen that this brand’s beer is available in Russia, leaving the impact of these products on the local market in suspense.
The growth of the pharmaceutical sector
In addition to Naegohyang’s request, two major DPRK pharmaceutical companies are also seeking to expand their presence in Russia. The Medical Supplies Trading Company have requested to register your “Bombi” brand (“spring rain” in Korean), with the intention of selling a variety of medications such as analgesics, sedatives and immunostimulants. Although the documents indicate that the final decision on registration was made in December 2024, it has not been specified whether it was approved.
For its part, the Thosong Pharmaceutical Factoryanother North Korean pharmaceutical entity, submitted its application in July 2024 to offer similar products. This company is known for the production of Korean traditional medicines, dietary supplements and blood purifiers.
Rise of trade relations
Recent requests amount to at least 20 the number of North Korean brands registered in Russia from 2023underscoring growing trade ties with North Korea. Other North Korean companies have also sought to establish themselves in the Russian market, such as Hwanggumsan herbal tea and liquor manufacturerand the Joyang textile companyalthough the status of its records remains uncertain.
The sanctions expert Maiko Takeuchi highlights that some of these companies, such as Joyang and Hwanggumsan, could have violated international restrictionssince the DPRK has bans on the export of certain agricultural and textile products. Despite this, commercial activity continues to expand, with several dozen North Korean companies operating in the Russian market, particularly in the Russian Far East.
