2026.09.1421:00:00UTC+00South Korea’s Export Price Growth Cools Sharply in August, Signaling Easing External Price Pressures

South Korea’s Export Price Index growth eased notably in August 2026, pointing to a moderation in external price pressures for the trade-dependent economy. Year-over-year export prices rose 42.4% in August, down from a revised 49.1% annual increase recorded in July 2026.

The data, updated on 14 September 2026, show that while export prices remain significantly higher than a year earlier, the pace of increase is slowing. The comparison is based on changes in prices for the reported month relative to the same month a year before, with the “previous” figure reflecting July’s year-over-year change and the “actual” capturing August’s performance versus August of the prior year.

The deceleration in export price growth may indicate some easing of cost pressures for global buyers of South Korean goods, even as elevated price levels persist. Analysts and market participants will be watching whether the August slowdown marks the start of a broader trend toward more moderate export price inflation in the coming months.