Fruit prices in Hyesan’s markets have recently plummeted, with both domestic and imported varieties available. Despite the lower costs, vendors are struggling with slow sales as customers prioritize more essential purchases amid economic hardship.
According to a source in Ryanggang province recently, Hyesan’s market stalls are full of pears, apples, grapes, and other fruits. As they are in season, they are excellent in taste and quality. They are also cheaper than last month, with the price of grapes in particular plummeting.
As of Oct. 9, one kilogram of domestically produced pears, apples and grapes cost 6,500 North Korean won, 9,000 won and 30,000 won, respectively. Compared to last month, the price of apples and pears had dropped by 1,000 won, while the cost of grapes had dropped by 5,000 won.
In addition, the price of pears and apples imported from China fell 500 won to 6,000 won and 9,000 won per kilogram, respectively, while the cost of imported grapes fell 3,000 won to 38,000 won.
Explaining the reason for the drop in fruit prices, the source said, “More fruit than usual has been arriving in the border region from inland areas two or three times a week, and fruit from China has been arriving at lower prices in line with the season.”
Although market prices have dropped, the fruit is not selling well because the public’s purchasing power has plummeted.
“The smell of fruit at the market stalls stops people in their tracks, but for people who are struggling financially, fruit is just a piece of cake,” the source said. “With a kilogram of pears costing the same as a kilogram of rice, most people’s immediate concern is less buying fruit than putting rice on the table.”
Fruit merchants in the market are frustrated about the situation.
According to the source, a merchant in his 50s who sells fruit in Hyesan’s market said that while they’ve had lousy business before, “this is the first time it’s been this bad.” The man added, “My livelihood depends on market trading, and I can’t sleep because if I can’t earn even 100 won like now, I don’t know how I’m going to feed my family.”
Another market vendor in her 30s said that she received a batch of fruit to sell along with vegetables, “but I didn’t sell a single apple this week.” She added, “There is talk that we will starve next year, but I don’t think it’s just rumors. I have no idea when this miserable life will end.”
The Daily NK works with a network of sources in North Korea, China, and elsewhere. For security reasons, their identities remain anonymous.
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October 18, 2024 at 06:30AM
by DailyNK(North Korean Media)