North Korea is taking steps to restrict the import of foreign-made tobacco products, according to the Korean Central News Agency.
“This reminds us that the North Korean government is concerned about the high number of tobacco smokers, the likely high instance of lung cancer and other diseases associated with smoking, as well as what it considers to be an excessive reliance on foreign imports,” said Peter Ward, a North Korea specialist.
This news comes amid a broader public health campaign to curb cigarette consumption in North Korea, where 43.9 percent of men are estimated to smoke.
North Korea is home to multiple tobacco manufacturers, including the Naegohyang Tobacco Factory, which produces the 7.27, Chonji, and Gohyang brands.