The Bank of Korea’s preliminary September 2026 data showed that Korean won based export prices fell 0.8% from August, while import prices rose 1.7%. Compared with a year earlier, export prices increased 40.9% and import prices rose 17.6%. The monthly import price increase was concentrated in raw materials, which rose 9.6%, including a 10.8% increase in mining products. Intermediate goods, capital goods and consumer goods all declined. On a U.S. dollar basis, export volume grew 32.1% year on year and export value increased 89.2%, compared with gains of 11.1% and 26.9%, respectively, for imports. The net barter terms of trade improved 25.4% year on year but slipped 0.3% from August, while the income terms of trade rose 65.7% year on year.
Bank of Korea reports 0.8% fall in September export prices and 1.7% rise in import prices
The Bank of Korea reported that Korean won based export prices fell 0.8% month on month in September 2026, while import prices rose 1.7%, driven by raw materials. Export volume increased 32.1% year on year and export value rose 89.2%, while the net barter terms of trade improved 25.4%.