evidence: While acknowledging the increasing difficulty of obtaining real time information from inside the DPRK, [11] Asia Press has reported that the market price of domestically produced rice in North Hamkyung Province and Ryanggang Province, the two provinces along the northeastern border with China, remained relatively expensive but stable during April 2021, ranging from 4,000 to 4,300 won per kilogram. [...] The city of Hyesan in the Ryanggang province has served as a key node in land transportation between the DPRK and China. Since around November 2020, there have been reports on the severe economic conditions and lack of food in Hyesan and starvation and death in the city. Some media have reported the dire circumstances in Hyesan as a possible sign of nationwide starvation or famine. [...] While conclusive data is not available to corroborate these observations, available information shows that, as of mid-August, the food prices continued to stay at a more or less stabilized level in Pyongyang and in North Hamkyung Province, Ryanggang Province, North and Pyongang Province (figures 2 and 4). This indicates availability of food stock and a functional food supply system still operating in the country. DPRK resident reportedly said that as of early August, "traders are bringing in more food from other areas [into two provinces bordering China, namely North Hamkyung Province and Ryanggang Province]." [50]