Asia Regional Integration Center

Tracking Asian Integration

Republic of Korea

A recovery in economic growth is expected in 2013 as a mild increase in external demand—especially in the second half—could nudge growth upward in exports, investment, and private consumption. Capital and exchange rate volatility threaten export growth, however. Greater support for vulnerable groups such as the elderly poor is one long-term policy challenge.

Real Gross Domestic Product (y-o-y growth, %)

y-o-y = year-on-year.
Source: Bank of Korea; CEIC database.
Latest Month-Ago Year-Ago
Exchange Rate Index 1 90.4 (Feb13)92.2 87.5
Merchandise Export Growth 2 -1.8 (Feb13)2.5 6.4
Composite Stock Price Index 3 144.3 (Mar13)143.6 146.7
Growth of Broad Money 4 5.6 (Feb13)5.4 5.0
Industrial/Manufacturing Production Growth Rate 5 0.8 (Dec12)3.2 2.9
Headline Inflation Rate 5 1.5 (Jan13)1.4 3.4
Claims on the Private Sector 5 1.7 (Nov12)2.1 5.2
1 Monthly average, January 2006 = 100, $/local currency; an increase from previous period indicates appreciation.
2 3-month moving average, y-o-y, %.
3 Monthly average, January 2007=100, local index.
4 M2, y-o-y, %.
5 y-o-y, %.
Source: Bloomberg LP; CEIC database; Korea Customs Service; Bank of Korea; ; National Statistical Office; IMF International Financial Statistics Online.