South Korea Business Confidence Nears 4-Year High

South Korea’s Business Survey Index for the manufacturing sector rose to 80 in May 2026 from 74 in the previous month, marking the highest reading since August 2022. The production index increased to 90 from 88, while the new orders index climbed to 87 from 85. Meanwhile, the inventories index rose to 100 from 97, and the financial conditions index improved to 79 from 76. The Economic Sentiment Index, which combines the Business Survey Index and the Consumer Survey Index, increased by 5.8 points to 97.5 in May.

South Korea’s Business Survey Index for the manufacturing sector rose to 74 in April 2026 from 71 in the previous month. This marked the highest reading since June 2024, reflecting improving sentiment across key operating conditions. The production index held at 88, matching March’s level and staying near recent highs, while the new orders index rose to 85 from 84, signaling a modest pickup in demand conditions. Meanwhile, the inventories index fell to 97 from 99, suggesting lower stock levels on firmer sales, while the financial situation index slipped to 76 from 77, showing financing conditions remained somewhat constrained. The Economic Sentiment Index, which combines the BSI and the Consumer Survey Index, fell to 91.7 in April, down 2.3 points from March, pointing to softer overall economic confidence.

South Korea's Business Survey Index for the manufacturing sector stood at 71 in March, down from 72 in February. Production rose to 88 from 85, new orders increased to 84 from 81, inventories moved to 101 from 100, and the financial situation moved to 79 from 80. Meanwhile, the Economic Sentiment Index, which combines the BSI and the Consumer Survey Index, fell to 94.0 in March, down 4.8 points from February, reflecting a decrease in overall economic confidence.