South Korea’s industrial production contracted at a slower pace in December, signaling a tentative easing in the sector’s downturn. Year-over-year output fell 0.3% in December 2025, an improvement from November’s 1.4% decline, according to data updated on 29 January 2026.
The figures, based on a comparison with the same month a year earlier, suggest that while industrial activity remains weaker than a year ago, the rate of contraction is moderating. November’s reading reflected a 1.4% drop versus November 2024, while December’s 0.3% decline is measured against December 2024.
The softer downturn in December may indicate early signs of stabilization in South Korea’s industrial sector after months of pressure, though output has yet to return to year-on-year growth. Investors and policymakers will be watching upcoming data for confirmation that the slowdown is bottoming out rather than merely pausing.
