South Korea’s industrial production staged a notable recovery in September 2026, rising 1.2% year-on-year after a 1.7% decline in August. The latest figures, updated on 29 October 2026, mark a clear turnaround in momentum for Asia’s fourth-largest economy.
The data, based on year-on-year comparisons, show that while August 2026 output had contracted versus August 2025, September’s performance moved back into positive territory compared with September 2025. This shift suggests improving conditions in the country’s industrial sector after a weak late-summer patch.
The rebound in September will be closely watched by investors and policymakers as an early signal that South Korea’s manufacturing and broader industrial base may be regaining traction heading into the final quarter of 2026.
