South Korea's factory activity has contracted for December, with the PMI falling to 49.0, down from 50.6 in November.
This marks contraction for the third time since August, with output declining for four consecutive months.
Manufacturers' sentiment dipped below the 50 threshold for the first time since mid-2020, marking the lowest level in over 4 years.
Factors contributing to this pessimism include U.S. trade policy uncertainty and domestic political instability, including the recent impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol.
The South Korean economy is forecasted to see slow export growth of 1.5% in 2025, down from 6.3% in 2024.
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