The Bank of Korea published preliminary data for October 2026 showing export prices rose 0.7% from September while import prices fell 1.8%, both measured in KRW. Annual growth in export volumes and values accelerated, outpacing imports. The net barter terms of trade improved from a year earlier despite declining over the month.
Annual export price growth slowed to 36.7% from 41.3% in September, while import price growth eased to 13.5% from 17.8%. Prices for exported computers, electronic and optical equipment increased 3.7% from September. On the import side, raw material prices fell 3.0% over the month, alongside declines in prices for intermediate goods, capital goods and consumer goods.
Trade indexes compiled on a USD basis showed export volumes increased 43.9% from a year earlier, compared with 32.2% growth in September, while export values rose 107.6%. Import volumes and values increased 14.9% and 36.6%, respectively. The net barter terms of trade index, which measures the quantity of imports purchasable with a unit of exports, rose 21.3% from a year earlier but fell 2.0% from September.