South Korea’s industrial production growth slowed markedly in April 2026, rising 1.5% year-over-year compared with a 3.9% increase in March, according to data updated on 28 May 2026. The figures reflect a clear loss of momentum in the country’s industrial sector after a relatively strong performance in the previous month.
Both the current and previous readings are measured against the same month a year earlier, meaning April’s 1.5% gain compares with April 2025, while March’s 3.9% increase was relative to March 2025. The deceleration suggests that, while output is still expanding on an annual basis, the pace of growth has weakened notably at the start of the second quarter. Investors and policymakers will be watching upcoming data closely to gauge whether this slowdown is temporary or indicative of a more persistent soft patch in South Korea’s industrial activity.