Report: Production Up, Investment Down

Despite increased industrial production lead by robust exports, consumption and investment remain sluggish. In particular, facilities investment fell to its lowest level in 20 months, indicating a chronic slowdown in investments.

In its monthly report Friday, the National Statistical Office (NSO) said industrial production rose by 7.2% in September year on year. The figure was the largest monthly gain since it rose 14.3 percent in January. However, automobile production decreased by 11.5% year on year due to labor-management conflicts. Facilities investment fell by 2% due to a reduction in investment in autos and special industrial equipment.

Ki-Jeong Ko koh@donga.com