8月韩国石化产品出口额降18.7%

Core Viewpoint - In August, South Korea's petrochemical product exports fell by 18.7% year-on-year to $3.38 billion, while semiconductor and automobile exports reached record highs, indicating a mixed performance in the export sector amid external pressures [1] Group 1: Export Performance - South Korea's total exports in August grew by only 1.3% year-on-year to $58.4 billion, while imports decreased by 4.0% to $51.9 billion, resulting in a narrowed trade surplus of $6.51 billion [1] - Semiconductor exports increased by 27.1% year-on-year to $15.1 billion, and automobile exports reached $5.5 billion, marking a historical high [1] - The growth in hybrid, electric, and used car exports did not positively impact the petrochemical product export growth [1] Group 2: Impact of Tariffs - The U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum products, which are at 50%, have led to a decline in related exports [1] - Additional 15% tariffs on Korean goods implemented by the U.S. starting August 7 have further hampered export performance [1] Group 3: Manufacturing Sector - The manufacturing PMI for South Korea in August slightly increased to 48.3, indicating ongoing contraction in output and new orders [1] - Companies reported a decline in production and sales due to weak domestic economic conditions compounded by tariff pressures [1]