It has been reported that the prices of domestic and imported fruits at the market in Hyesan, Yanggang Province, North Korea have recently fallen significantly. However, it is said that the sales performance of fruit sellers at the market is poor as residents are putting off purchasing fruit as a last priority due to difficult financial circumstances.
On the 14th, a Daily NK Yanggang Province source said, “Recently, various kinds of domestic and imported fruits such as apples, pears, and grapes are being sold at the market in Hyesan City,” adding, “Even though the prices of both domestic and imported fruits are lower than the previous month, sales are not going well. “The faces of the businessmen are full of worry.”
Currently, fruits such as pears, apples, and grapes are being sold at the fruit stands at the market in Hyesan City, and since they are in season, their taste and quality are said to be better than ever. Moreover, fruit prices have become cheaper compared to last month, and the price of grapes in particular has reportedly fallen significantly.
In fact, as of the 9th, domestically produced pears, apples, and grapes are being sold for 6,500 won, 9,000 won, and 30,000 won per kg, respectively. The prices of pears and apples are each 1,000 won lower than last month, and the prices of grapes are 5,000 won lower.
In addition, pears and apples imported from China are sold at 6,000 won and 9,000 won per kg, down 500 won from last month, and grapes are sold at 38,000 won, down 3,000 won from last month.
Regarding the reason for the drop in fruit prices, the source said, “A larger amount of fruit is coming from inland areas (to the border area) 2-3 times a week than usual, and imported fruit is also coming from China at a lower price as it is in season.” Because,” he explained.
Although the price of fruit in the market has fallen, it is said that it is not selling well because the purchasing power of residents has decreased so much.
The source said, “The scent of the fruits on the market stalls is enough to make you stop in your tracks, but for residents with tight pockets, it is just a pie in the sky,” adding, “The price of 1kg of pears is equivalent to the price of 1kg of rice, so residents who urgently need to eat right away are struggling.” “Are you going to put rice aside and buy fruit?” he said.
In this situation, the fruit sellers at the market are said to be in tears.
According to the source, a resident in his 50s who sells fruit at a market in Hyesan City said, “There have been times when my income was not good while doing business, but I think this is the first time it has been so bad.” “I am so worried about how I will feed my family in the future, and I am having trouble sleeping at night,” he complained.
Another market vendor in his 30s said, “I was handed over to sell fruits as well as vegetables, and I’ve been selling only one apple for a week. There are rumors going around that next year will be the year of starvation, and I don’t think it’s for nothing. “It’s so frustrating that I don’t know if the day will ever come to an end to this kind of life,” he said, expressing his frustration.
Source: www.dailynk.com
