FX.co ★ South Korea’s Import Growth Eases Slightly in May, but Remains Strong Year-on-Year

South Korea’s imports grew 20.7% year-on-year in May 2026, slightly below the previously reported 20.8% pace, according to data updated on 15 June 2026. The figure reflects a robust expansion in inbound shipments compared with May a year earlier, underscoring continued strength in external demand and domestic input needs.

The latest reading represents only a marginal deceleration from the prior indicator, which also measured May’s year-on-year change in imports at 20.8%. Both the current and previous comparisons assess May’s performance against the same month a year earlier, indicating that South Korea’s import growth has essentially held steady at elevated levels.

The near-unchanged momentum in imports suggests that demand for foreign goods and raw materials remains solid, an important signal for monitoring the health of South Korea’s trade-dependent economy and its manufacturing and export sectors.