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Producer prices rebound in September on higher fresh produce prices: BOK

Published: 22 Oct. 2025, 09:25

Fresh produce is displayed at a supermarket in Seoul on Oct. 16. [YONHAP]

Korea's producer prices rose in September, led by higher prices of agricultural and livestock products, and the expiration of temporary cuts in mobile phone and household electricity bills, central bank data showed Wednesday.

The producer price index, a key barometer of future consumer inflation, gained 0.4 percent on-month to 120.54, according to preliminary data from the Bank of Korea (BOK).

Compared with a year earlier, producer prices increased 1.2 percent, extending their on-year rise for the 26th consecutive month.

In August, the index edged down 0.1 percent, marking the first decline in three months, due mainly to a sharp fall in mobile phone charges after major carrier SK Telecom offered discounts following a data breach incident.

Prices of agricultural and livestock products rose 0.4 percent on-month in September, driven by tighter supply amid unfavorable weather conditions.

Prices of manufactured goods inched up 0.2 percent, while electricity, gas and other public utilities advanced 1.1 percent.

Service prices increased 0.4 percent, led by a 4 percent jump in telecommunications services.

Producer prices serve as a key indicator of future inflation trends, as they affect the prices businesses charge consumers in the months ahead.

The domestic supply price index, which accounts for both producer prices and import prices, added 0.1 percent on-month in September, according to the data.

In September, consumer prices, a key gauge of inflation, rose 2.1 percent on-year, returning to the 2 percent range in a month.

Yonhap