South Korea’s industrial production declined 1.9% month-on-month in January 2026, reversing a 1.5% increase in December and surprising markets that had expected a 0.5% rise. The contraction was largely driven by weaker construction and manufacturing activity, which fell 11.3% and 2.1%, respectively. By contrast, private consumption and facility investment posted gains. The weaker-than-expected data cloud the outlook for the country’s economic momentum and underscore ongoing headwinds in the manufacturing sector. On a year-on-year basis, industrial output surged 7.1% in January, accelerating from a 1.4% rise in December and significantly exceeding forecasts of 2.2%.
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South Korea Industrial Output Unexpectedly Falls
South Korea’s industrial production declined 1.9% month-on-month in January 2026, reversing a 1.5% increase in December and surprising markets that had expected a 0.5% rise. The contraction was largely driven by weaker construction and manufacturing activity, which fell 11.3% and 2.1%, respectively. By contrast, private consumption and facility investment posted gains. The weaker-than-expected data cloud the outlook for the country’s economic momentum and underscore ongoing headwinds in the manufacturing sector. On a year-on-year basis, industrial output surged 7.1% in January, accelerating from a 1.4% rise in December and significantly exceeding forecasts of 2.2%.