February 3, 2026

 

Major Russian meat producer looking to enter North Korean market

 

 

One of Russia's largest meat producers is planning to enter the North Korean market this year, amid the accelerating agricultural trade between the two countries, the Siberia-based company announced on January 28.

 

The Tomsk-based Sibagro agro-industrial holding, Russia's second-largest pork producer in 2024, seeks to expand sales to North Korea, the Philippines and several African states following its entry into seven new markets and a sharp rise in exports in 2025, according to a press release.

 

Its largest partners traditionally include Belarus, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan, the company said.

 

Sibagro's interest in expanding meat deliveries to North Korea comes as Russia recorded 4% on-year growth in agricultural exports to the DPRK, which stood at roughly $6.5 million between January-July 2025.

 

Russia's pork exports rose to $1.4 million within that timeframe, up from under $1 million in May. Russia also expanded supplies of wheat flour last year, followed by the first 540-tonne shipment from the Siberian region of Kuzbass earlier this year.

 

Sibagro's location in Tomsk is also telling, as the city's Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other firms visited North Korea for the 17th Pyongyang Autumn International Trade Fair in October, according to NK Pro analysis.

 

While most firms focused on logistics and electronics, two Tomsk-based enterprises represented the agricultural sector, including Mezheninovskaya Poultry Factory and Tomsk Mills, a flour producer.

 

Growing interest from Russian businesses further west, including in Siberia, suggests a shift away from exporters based in Vladivostok and other Far Eastern cities that long dominated trade with the DPRK.

 

At the same time, while North Korea has begun supplying beer and agricultural products to the Russian Far East, it has also turned its attention to cooperation with western regions of its ally.

 

Notably, Ragwon Corporation — one of North Korea's largest conglomerates — discussed the construction of a meat-processing plant and meat and dairy imports with Kaluga, a region neighboring Moscow, underscoring growing interest in joint projects.

 

Russian importers as far as Moscow and Krasnodar have also expressed interest in importing DPRK agricultural items and medicinal goods, including aphrodisiacs, with some being sold on various online marketplaces.

 

Meanwhile, multiple DPRK firms in a likely bid to enter the Russian market have registered their brands with authorities, including through agents in Tatarstan and Moscow.

 

Growing trade volumes have also prompted Russia to upgrade security systems at its only rail crossing with North Korea over the Tumen River. A new car bridge under construction nearby is also expected to provide an additional boost to commercial exchanges.

 

- NK News