South Korea Producer Inflation Hits 16-Month High

South Korea’s producer prices rose 1.9% year-on-year in December 2025, matching November’s pace and marking the strongest increase since July 2024, as price pressures remained broad-based across key categories. Costs increased for services (2.2% vs 2.2% in November), manufacturing (1.9% vs 1.9%) and agricultural, forestry and marine products (6.1% vs 5.5%), reflecting a sharp rebound in farm-related prices. By contrast, prices for electricity, gas and water remained in contraction at -1.4%, extending the decline from -1.2% previously. On a monthly basis, producer prices rose 0.4% in December, accelerating from a 0.3% increase in November.

South Korea’s producer prices rose 1.9% year-on-year in November 2025, the highest since July 2024 and up from 1.6% in October. Cost advanced for services (2.2% vs 2.1% in October), manufacturing (1.9% vs 1.2%) and agricultural, forestry and marine products (5.5% vs 4%). On the other hand, cos fell for electricity, water and gas eased (-1.2% vs 1.5). On a monthly basis, producer prices rose 0.3% in November after a 0.3% gain in October.

South Korea’s producer prices rose 1.5% year-on-year in October 2025, marking the highest increase since February and up from 1.2% in September. Increases were seen in services (2.0% vs. 1.7% in September) and manufacturing (1.0% vs. 0.7%), while electricity, water and gas eased (1.5% vs. 2.9%). On the other hand, agricultural, forestry and marine products rebounded (4.0% vs. -0.9%). On a monthly basis, producer prices rose 0.2% in October after a 0.4% gain in September, reflecting mixed trends across sectors.