South Korea Imports Drop More than Expected

2025-11-01 00:14 By Chusnul Chotimah 1 min. read

South Korea’s imports fell 1.5% year-on-year to USD 53.52 billion in October 2025, compared with market estimates of a 1.4% decline, reversing an 8.2% rise in the previous month, flash data showed.

Trade flows were affected by this year’s Chuseok holiday, which fell in October, resulting in fewer working days.

Looking ahead, import growth will depend on commodity prices and investment, as the country relies on imports for most of its energy needs, making it the world’s eighth-largest energy consumer.

On Wednesday, South Korea and the United States announced they will reduce reciprocal tariffs from 25% to 15%, as agreed last July.

Tariffs on automobiles and auto parts, however, will remain at 25%.

South Korea will also invest USD 350 billion in the United States, including USD 200 billion in cash investment and USD 150 billion in shipbuilding.



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