North Korea sells optical cables

North Korea exports small volumes of optical fibers and cables, primarily to countries like Bosnia and Herzegovina, the UAE, and Oman, while maintaining a domestic fiber optic network connecting key cities and international links.

Export Overview

In 2021, North Korea exported $8,580 worth of optical fibers and cables, ranking it as the 132nd largest exporter globally for this product. The main export destinations were Bosnia and Herzegovina ($4,400), the United Arab Emirates ($2,950), and Oman ($1,240). Despite being a minor player in the global market, these exports indicate North Korea's limited but ongoing participation in international optical cable trade.

Historically, North Korea also imported optical fibers and cables, with imports reaching $654,000 in 2017, though detailed sources of these imports are not specified.

Domestic Fiber Optic Network

North Korea has developed a domestic fiber optic network connecting major cities and strategic locations. The first fiber optic cable linked Pyongyang to Hamhung in 1995, followed by connections to Sinuiju in 1998, and by 2000, cables extended to Nampo, Rajin-Songpa, and Hunchun (China). The network also includes international connections: a fiber optic cable from Russia crosses the Tumen River into North Korea via the Korea-Russia Friendship Bridge, and additional links exist with China.

Domestically, government ministries and key institutions are connected through the Kwangmyeong intranet, and fiber optic cables often follow railway lines and major roads.

Strategic Implications

North Korea's optical cable infrastructure supports both internal communications and limited international connectivity, while its exports, though modest, reflect a niche presence in the global optical fiber market. The combination of domestic network development and selective exports highlights the country's focus on maintaining secure communications and generating revenue from specialized technology products.