In August 2025, South Korea experienced a 4.0% year-on-year decrease in imports, totaling USD 51.89 billion. This decline contrasts with the previous month's 0.7% increase and marks the first contraction since May, according to preliminary data. The drop was more significant than the anticipated 0.1% decrease, driven by U.S. tariffs despite the South Korean government's supplementary budget of KRW 30.5 trillion aimed at stimulating growth.