South Korea Manufacturing Sentiment Improves

South Korea’s manufacturing Business Survey Index rose to 82 in July 2026 from 78 in June, signaling improved business sentiment. The production index increased to 93 from 90, while the new orders index rose to 91 from 88. Meanwhile, the inventories index edged up to 100 from 99, and the financial situation index improved to 81 from 79. The Composite Business Sentiment Index for manufacturing increased 2.0 points from the previous month to 103.2, while the outlook for the following month rose 2.3 points to 100.5.

South Korea’s Business Survey Index for the manufacturing sector edged down to 79 in June 2026 from 80 in the previous month. The production index was unchanged at 90, while the new orders index rose to 88 from 87. Meanwhile, the inventories index held steady at 100, and the financial conditions index improved slightly to 80 from 79. The Composite Business Sentiment Index for manufacturing rose 0.4 points to 101.2, signaling a modest improvement in current conditions. However, the outlook for the following month weakened, with the forward-looking sentiment index falling 2.1 points to 98.2.

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.