Economies.
South Korea Finance Nominee Rules Out Corporate Tax Cut
Lee Hyoung-il, South Korea's finance minister nominee, confirmed Sunday he will not pursue corporate tax cuts, citing this year's rate restoration from 24% to 25%.
South Korea: Ministry Confirms Recovery, Exports Up 68.7%
The finance ministry's monthly Green Book report confirmed a sustained positive outlook, noting persistent Middle East war uncertainties despite August's strong semiconductor shipments.
BoK: South Korea Sept Inflation Eases, Core Pressures Persist
The Bank of Korea forecasts a moderation in headline inflation for September 2023. This change follows a fading statistical base effect. However, underlying price pressures, particularly in core items, persist.
South Korea August Inflation Hits 3.1%, Mobile Bills Distort Figure
South Korea's August consumer price increase reached 3.1%. Stripping out a surge in mobile communication bills, the figure drops to 2.5%.
South Korea imposes anti-dumping duties on Chinese butyl acrylate
Seoul's finance ministry will levy anti-dumping duties on Chinese butyl acrylate imports, citing harm to local industry. The measure aims to correct market distortions from low-priced goods.
South Korea Names Lee So-young SMEs Minister
President Lee Jae Myung appointed two-term lawmaker Lee So-young as Minister for SMEs and Startups, ending a 61-day vacancy.
South Korea's Household Credit Exceeds ₩2,000 Trillion in Q2 2026
South Korean household credit surpassed ₩2,000 trillion in the second quarter of 2026, driven by rising home-backed and stock loans. This marks the seventh consecutive quarterly increase, despite government efforts to curb debt.
South Korea: BOK Expected to Hike 2026 Growth Outlook Above 3% on Exports
South Korea's central bank will likely raise its 2026 economic growth forecast beyond 3%, driven by stronger semiconductor exports and recovering domestic demand. This revision would mark an increase from its previous 2.6% projection made in May.
Japan's Exports Reach Record ¥11.5 Trillion in July
Japan's overseas shipments climbed 23.2 per cent in July, hitting a record ¥11.5 trillion. This export strength supports the economy, countering weak domestic spending and strengthening arguments for the Bank of Japan to adjust monetary policy.
Japan Q2 GDP Growth Slows to 1.1% Annualised on Weak Spending
Japan's economy expanded at a slower 1.1 per cent annualised rate in the April-June quarter, government data shows. Weak household spending and business investment drove the slowdown, missing market forecasts.
Japan's June Current Account Deficit Breaks 17-Month Surplus Run
Japan's finance ministry reported its first current account deficit in 17 months for June. The 92.3 billion yen shortfall was driven by increased dividend payouts to foreign investors and higher oil import costs, contrasting with analyst forecasts for a surplus.
South Korea Exports Jump 45.3% on Chip Demand
South Korea's exports surged 45.3% year-on-year in early August. Strong global demand for memory chips drove the increase. Total outbound shipments reached $21.3 billion.
Japan Real Wages Climb Sixth Month; BoJ September Rate Hike Gains Traction
Japanese real wages increased for a sixth consecutive month in June, strengthening arguments for a Bank of Japan interest rate adjustment as early as September. Government data shows nominal wages also accelerated.