South Korea’s industrial production declined 2.2% year-on-year in August 2026, reversing the strong growth seen a month earlier and signaling renewed pressure on the country’s manufacturing sector. The latest data, updated on 29 September 2026, contrasts sharply with July 2026, when industrial output expanded by 4.0% compared with a year earlier.
The figures are measured on a year-over-year basis, with August’s result reflecting the change relative to August 2025 and the July reading reflecting the change from July 2025. The abrupt shift from solid growth to contraction highlights the volatility facing South Korea’s industrial base and will likely draw attention from policymakers and investors monitoring the strength and sustainability of the country’s production cycle.
