National Data Office reports second-quarter industrial output growth

The National Data Office said the industrial production index rose 2.0 percent from 115.3 a year earlier to 117.6 in the second quarter, supported by higher output of semiconductors and electronic parts, medical, precision and optical products, and machinery. The index uses 2020 as its base year, with 100 as the reference point. The figures were released in the office's 2026 second-quarter Regional Economic Trends report on the 18th.

Industrial production declined in nine cities and provinces but grew in eight. North Chungcheong rose 27.8 percent from a year earlier as semiconductor and electronic-parts production rose 70.9 percent, electrical equipment output gained 61.6 percent and electricity and gas output increased 25.3 percent. Gwangju's output rose 9.1 percent, led by automobiles, rubber and plastic, and medical, precision and optical products, while Daegu's increased 5.7 percent on higher fabricated-metal products, semiconductors and electronic parts, and automobile output.

South Jeolla's output fell 9.2 percent as chemical products declined 15.8 percent, petroleum refining fell 11.1 percent and primary metals dropped 3.1 percent. Seoul's industrial production declined 5.7 percent on lower output of apparel and fur, medical, precision and optical products, and electrical equipment. Daejeon's output fell 5.3 percent as electrical equipment, machinery, and medical, precision and optical products declined.

Service-sector production rose 4.5 percent nationwide from a year earlier, supported by gains in financial and insurance services, professional, scientific and technical activities, and wholesale and retail trade. It rose in 16 cities and provinces, including Seoul, Gyeonggi and Daegu. Financial and insurance services and wholesale and retail trade supported Seoul's increase, while professional, scientific and technical activities and information and communications rose in Gyeonggi. Jeju's service output fell 3.0 percent as information and communications, real estate, and professional, scientific and technical activities declined.

Retail sales rose in Seoul, Daegu and Busan, led by department-store purchases and sales at passenger-vehicle and fuel retailers. They fell in Daejeon, South Gyeongsang and North Jeolla as sales declined at passenger-vehicle and fuel retailers, large discount stores, supermarkets and convenience stores.