2025.12.2923:18:39UTC+00South Korea Industrial Output Grows Less than Estimated

In November 2025, South Korea's industrial production experienced a modest increase of 0.6% month-over-month, bouncing back from a previously revised decline of 4.2% in October. Despite this recovery, the growth rate fell short of market predictions, which anticipated a 2.2% rise. This marked the first monthly expansion since August, driven by a resurgence in manufacturing activity towards the end of the year. The increase was largely attributed to a boost in semiconductor production owing to inventory restocking and heightened international demand. Moreover, there was stabilization in the output of automobiles and machinery following earlier disruptions. When compared year-on-year, industrial output saw a decrease of 1.4%, a notable improvement from the significant 8.2% drop recorded in October, indicating a potential gradual shift towards recovery in industrial activity.