North Korean False Eyelashes Sneak into Global Markets Via China
Millions in Sales of North Korean False Eyelashes
Last year, millions of dollars in sales of North Korean false eyelashes under the guise of being “made in China” helped revitalize the secretive state’s exports. These false eyelashes, sold in beauty stores around the world, were processed and packaged in China, giving Kim Jong Un’s regime a way to bypass international sanctions and generate foreign currency.
A System of Skirting International Sanctions
A system was described in which China-based firms imported semi-finished products from North Korea, completed and labeled them as Chinese, and then exported the finished eyelashes to markets in the West, Japan, and South Korea. The processing and packaging of North Korean false eyelashes in China provided a crucial loophole for the country to export its products despite international sanctions.
Resurgence in Exports
North Korea’s exports to China more than doubled in 2023, with wigs and eyelashes comprising almost 60% of their declared exports. The value of false eyelash exports from North Korea to China surged from $31.1 million in 2019 to approximately $167 million in 2023. These exports serve as a crucial source of revenue for the cash-strapped state.
Sanctions and International Implications
International trade experts opine that a significant portion of the revenue generated from the eyelash trade flows back to the Kim Jong Un regime, sustaining the oppressive regime. Despite the existence of U.N. sanctions, trading false eyelashes from North Korea via China does not necessarily violate international law. However, the U.S. and other countries have imposed sanctions to impede such revenue generation efforts by Pyongyang.
The Ethical Dilemma
The involvement of North Korean workers, who are poorly paid and often live in poverty, raises ethical concerns. Employing North Korean labor also feeds into the revenue stream of the oppressive regime. South Korean law and customs regulations are ambiguous regarding the country of origin for goods manufactured across multiple countries.
China’s Role in the Eyelash Trade
Pingdu, an eastern Chinese town, is hailed as the ‘eyelash capital of the world’ and serves as a key node in the supply chain from North Korea. Many companies in Pingdu package false eyelashes, primarily produced by North Koreans, for export to various international markets.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a temporary halt in the trade of North Korean eyelashes, causing disruptions in the supply chain and impacting international buyers. Companies had to adapt to new challenges as North Korea sealed its borders, affecting the flow of eyelash products to global markets.
The Human Cost of North Korean Labor
North Korean workers involved in the manufacturing of false eyelashes are poorly paid, with salaries significantly lower than those in China. These workers often struggle to make ends meet, further highlighting the ethical and humanitarian issues associated with the trade of North Korean goods.
