The Daily NK reported that domestic rice is currently on sale in North Korea’s official public markets for less than rice produced in China. Normally North Korean rice trades for 500 to 1,000 won more than Chinese rice; however, an increased supply of domestic rice has reversed this trend. According to Daily NK sources, Chosun rice is ordinarily more expensive because it is stickier and more delicious than Chinese rice. The source elaborated that in the beginning of 2013 rice prices stood at 6,000 won per kilo in North Korea, but fell in the spring when wartime rice reserves were released. The current price of rice stands at 4,500 won per kilo which compares favorably to the price of 7,000 won a year ago. 

The main factor influencing the price of domestically produced rice is annual grain production. The rice harvest in 2013 was high in  comparison with previous years. Grain vendors are worried that if rice prices continue to fall and sales decrease or even halt then they will be hit with significant losses.