S. Korea’s industrial output growth hits 5-year low in 2025
Summary
South Korea's industrial output growth in 2025 slowed to a five-year low of 0.5%, impacted by political uncertainty and a sluggish real estate market, despite gains in manufacturing and services sectors.
Key Points
- South Korea’s industrial output growth hit a five-year low of 0.5% in 2025 due to political uncertainty.
- Manufacturing output rose 1.7%, driven by semiconductor and shipbuilding sectors.
- Service industry production expanded 1.9%, supported by health, social welfare, wholesale, and retail sectors.
- Retail sales rose 0.5% aided by government cash handouts while facility investment increased 1.7%, but completed construction dropped 16.2% amid a real estate slump.
