FX.co ★ South Korea Manufacturing PMI Hits 13-Month High

The S&P Global South Korea Manufacturing PMI climbed to 50.7 in September 2025, up from 48.3 in August, marking the first expansion since January and the most robust performance since August 2024. Both production and new orders returned to growth, with output rising at its fastest rate in 13 months. Overall, new business growth was modest, but a recovery in export orders, growing for the first time since March, supported the sector. In response to stronger demand, companies increased their purchasing activity and workforce, while work backlogs rose for the first time in six months. Business sentiment remained optimistic for the second consecutive month, although confidence slightly declined from August. On the pricing front, input price pressures softened, yet inflation rates stayed high by historical measures.