KDI Korea Development Institute

SUMMARY □ Signs of an economic slowdown stabilized in production side but the overall economy showed no hint of a steady recovery.

○ Concerns about an economic slowdown in production side resulting from the decrease in industrial production growth in the previous 2Q have somewhat subsided.

- The declining production in manufacturing and mining since March improved in July while services production continued to rise moderately.

- Exports driven by semiconductors exhibited an increased growth mainly in petroleum products in August, supporting the economic improvement.

○ However, the improvement trend in domestic demand appears to be unsteady.

- The increase in retail sales growth was attributed mainly to temporary factors such as the base effect related to passenger car sales, and consumer sentiment has weakened slightly.

- Facilities and construction investments maintained relatively favorable conditions particularly in semiconductors and the building construction sector, but relevant leading indicators are slowing down.