According to @balajis, despite North Korea's efforts towards economic self-sufficiency (autarky) with its homogeneous society and industrial policy, the country remains economically dependent on China. This dependency is crucial for traders monitoring geopolitical influences on regional markets, particularly in commodities and foreign exchange, as North Korea's economic stability can impact trade flows and currency valuations involving China. The reliance on China for essential goods and economic support suggests potential vulnerabilities in North Korea's economic strategy, which traders should consider when assessing risks in Asian markets.

According to The Kobeissi Letter, US imports from China have declined by 8 percentage points since 2018, now representing 13.5% of total imports. This marks the lowest level in 21 years, indicating a significant decrease in the US economy's dependence on China. Such shifts are crucial for traders analyzing the impact on global supply chains and potential changes in market dynamics. [source: The Kobeissi Letter]