North Korea has reportedly earned substantial revenue by exporting false eyelashes, wigs, and related beauty products that are commonly sold worldwide as if produced in China. This assessment draws on data from North Korean and Chinese customs, along with insights from industry experts who study cosmetic trade patterns.
Recent figures indicate that during the previous year, North Korea shipped about 1,680 tons of eyelashes, beards, and wigs to China, with an approximate value of $167 million. For comparison, in 2019 the country exported roughly 1,829 tons of similar goods valued at about $31.1 million. Eyelash-related products make up a large portion of the nation’s commerce in this category, comprising roughly 60 percent of exports in that sector.
Industry observers noted that Pyongyang reduced its hair-related exports somewhat during the COVID-19 period when border controls and travel restrictions were tightened. Nevertheless, trade in North Korean-made wigs and eyelashes resumed in 2023, continuing to flow through China and supporting ongoing foreign currency earnings.
The processing, packaging, and global distribution of these cosmetic items are viewed as a mechanism that helps lessen the impact of sanctions and sustain hard currency reserves for the regime. This dynamic is cited by Reuters as a key factor in how such goods contribute to the country’s broader economic strategy.
Separately, indications from a Russian diplomatic post in Pyongyang suggested Russia’s interest in importing North Korean clothing and footwear, signaling a diversified approach to external markets.
In broader context, various observers note that North Korea’s cosmetic export activities occur within a framework of international sanctions and monitoring. The ongoing trade in wigs and false eyelashes illustrates how informal channels and cross-border transactions can influence a limited economy under external pressure.