Truck drivers in the North Korean city of Hoeryong are traveling to Chongjin for tire purchases. Despite steep prices, drivers are willing to take on debt to acquire these essential items for their work.
“Truck drivers from Hoeryong have been making the journey to Chongjin after hearing that tires cleared customs at Rajin-Sonbong,” a North Hamgyong province source told Daily NK on Tuesday.
The source reported that a Chongjin trading company recently imported tires for Chinese-made Tongbang and Tongpung trucks, selling them for 4,000 Chinese yuan each.
With the current won-to-yuan exchange rate hovering around 3,000-3,200 North Korean won, 4,000 yuan represents a substantial sum for North Koreans, equivalent to 12 million won. The source noted that tires previously cost 5-7 million won, but the exchange rate has since nearly doubled.
Despite the high cost, drivers find themselves with no alternative but to purchase tires, even if it means borrowing money.
Since North Korea doesn’t recognize private property, private truck drivers must register their vehicles with factories or companies, paying 3,000-5,000 yuan monthly.
For these drivers, a single tire now costs roughly the same as their monthly registration “fee” – effectively a bribe to maintain their vehicle registration.
“Truck drivers rely completely on their vehicles for income, so postponing tire replacement due to cost can lead to serious consequences. In Hoeryong especially, heavy winter snow and poor road conditions make good tires crucial for avoiding accidents. That’s why drivers have no choice but to pay these premium prices,” explained the source.
However, not all drivers face this financial burden. Those employed by organizations maintain their trucks using company funds, eliminating the need to purchase tires personally.
“When company drivers inform their managers about needing new tires, they receive the necessary funds. This puts them in a better position than private drivers who must pay out of pocket,” the source said.
“But don’t think they’re not making extra money too. These drivers pay off their managers to use company trucks for side jobs to earn additional income,” the source added.
