South Korea Q1 GDP contracts 0.1%

South Korea’s GDP contracted 0.1% yr on yr within the first quarter, based on advance figures, marking the primary contraction in its financial system for the reason that fourth quarter of 2020.

The GDP determine missed the 0.1% rise anticipated by a Reuters ballot, and is a reversal in comparison with the 1.2% rise within the final quarter of 2024.

Information from the Financial institution of Korea confirmed that the drop was principally on account of a fall in development, with the sector contracting 12.4% yr on yr.

On a quarterly foundation, GDP shrank 0.2%, reversing from the 0.1% achieve within the final quarter of 2024.

In its financial coverage assertion on April 17, the Financial institution of Korea had warned that South Korea’s GDP development for 2025 is anticipated to fall under its February forecast of 1.5%. The central financial institution had held charges at 2.75% on the April assembly.

The BOK famous home financial development has been weaker than anticipated, as home demand and exports have each slowed on account of extended political uncertainties and deteriorated commerce situations.

An April 17 observe from Jeff Ng, Head of Asia Macro Technique at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Company had anticipated the slowdown, including that there could also be extra cuts by the BOK “within the coming months.” He forecasts the subsequent charge minimize to come back in Might.

South Korea’s first quarter has been marked with political uncertainty, because the impeachment trials of former president Yoon Suk Yeol and prime minister Han Duck-soo dragged on.

The Constitutional Courtroom struck down Han’s impeachment in March and reinstated him as appearing president, earlier than eradicating Yoon from workplace on April 4. South Korea will go to the polls on June 3 to pick a brand new president.

The nation’s export-led financial system has additionally been struck by the commerce warfare turmoil. Whereas U.S. President Donald Trump had briefly suspended his blanket “reciprocal tariffs” on April 9, South Korea continues to be topic to a 25% tariff on metal and vehicles, that are a number of the nation’s largest exports to the U.S.

South Korea’s Hyundai and Kia are among the many prime eight best-selling manufacturers within the U.S. The nation can also be the fourth largest exporter of metal to the U.S.

The GDP launch additionally comes as a South Korean group heads to the U.S. for commerce talks, with appearing president Han reportedly saying that he expects talks with the U.S to pave the best way for a mutually useful final result.

South Korea’s ministry of commerce, business and financial system mentioned on Thursday the agenda for the assembly with the U.S. is being coordinated and never but finalized.

That is breaking information, please test again for updates.