South Korea Producer Inflation Hits Highest Since 2022

2026-05-20 21:19 By Isabela Couto 1 min. read

South Korea’s producer prices rose 6.9% year-on-year in April 2026, accelerating from a 4.1% increase in the previous month and marking the strongest rise since October 2022.

Manufacturing producer prices climbed 11.3%, led by a 73.9% surge in coal and petroleum products.

Prices for computers, electronic and optical equipment increased 17.4%, while chemical products rose 15.6% and basic metal products advanced 11.8%.

Service prices also increased 3.8%, driven by a 26.2% jump in financial and insurance activities.

Meanwhile, prices for agricultural, forestry, and marine products rose 1%, supported by a 10.4% increase in livestock prices.

In contrast, utility prices declined 1.2%.

On a monthly basis, producer prices rose 2.5%, accelerating from a 1.7% increase in March.



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South Korea Producer Inflation Hits Highest Since 2022
South Korea’s producer prices rose 6.9% year-on-year in April 2026, accelerating from a 4.1% increase in the previous month and marking the strongest rise since October 2022. Manufacturing producer prices climbed 11.3%, led by a 73.9% surge in coal and petroleum products. Prices for computers, electronic and optical equipment increased 17.4%, while chemical products rose 15.6% and basic metal products advanced 11.8%. Service prices also increased 3.8%, driven by a 26.2% jump in financial and insurance activities. Meanwhile, prices for agricultural, forestry, and marine products rose 1%, supported by a 10.4% increase in livestock prices. In contrast, utility prices declined 1.2%. On a monthly basis, producer prices rose 2.5%, accelerating from a 1.7% increase in March.
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