Chips Surge, Wallets Close: South Korea Industrial Output November 2025 Rebounds 0.9%
South Korea's industrial output rose 0.9% in November 2025, powered by a 7.5% surge in semiconductor production. However, retail sales saw a 21-month record drop of 3.3%.
The AI boom is keeping factories humming, but consumers aren't joining the party. While South Korea's semiconductor production is hitting high notes, private spending has plummeted at its sharpest rate in 21 months, highlighting a stark divide in the national economy.
South Korea Industrial Output November 2025: Driven by 7.5% Chip Growth
According to the Ministry of Data and Statistics, industrial production rose 0.9% month-on-month in November 2025. This marks a recovery from October's 2.7% decline. The primary engine was the semiconductor sector, which saw output jump by 7.5% as global demand for AI-related hardware remains insatiable.
Retail Slump Shadows Manufacturing Gains
The story is different for local retailers. Retail sales, a vital gauge of private spending, sank 3.3%—the steepest drop since early 2024. Sales of non-durable goods like food fell 4.3%, and clothing sales dropped 3.6%. While Samsung Electronics continues to invest heavily in machinery, the broader population is clearly tightening its belt.
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