South Korea’s manufacturing sector strengthened further in March, with the S&P Global Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) advancing to 52.6. The latest reading, released on 1 April 2026, marks an acceleration from February 2026, when the index stood at 51.1.
The move deeper into expansionary territory suggests improving conditions for South Korean manufacturers, as PMI readings above 50 indicate growth in activity. The pickup from February to March points to a continued recovery trend in the industrial sector, which is closely watched by investors for signals on output, demand, and broader economic momentum.