Although manufacturing production decreased in the aftermath of global supply chain disruptions, industrial production rebounded for the first time in three months in September as service production increased.



Consumption also increased for the first time in three months as social distancing was eased.



According to the Industrial Activity Trend of the National Statistical Office, the overall industrial production index in September was 113.1, up 1.3% from the previous month.



All-industrial production declined for the second straight month from 1.6% in June to -0.7% in July and -0.2% in August, then increased for the first time in three months in September.



By industry, production in the service industry increased by 1.3%, leading the increase in production in all industries.



The easing of restrictions on private gatherings and the payment of national subsidies led to an increase in production such as restaurants, pubs, and beverage stores, resulting in a 10.9% increase in production in the lodging and restaurant industries.



Production in the wholesale and retail industry, a representative face-to-face industry, also increased by 0.7%, and production in the transportation and warehousing industry also increased by 4.5% due to an increase in imports and exports and expansion of vaccinations.



On the other hand, the mining industry fell 0.8%, the second consecutive month of decline from August.



Manufacturing production, which accounts for a significant portion of mining production, fell 0.9%.



In particular, automobile production plunged 9.8% due to production adjustments due to disruptions in supply and demand for automotive semiconductors.



The retail sales index, which shows consumption trends, rose 2.5% to 121.4.



Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Strategy and Finance Hong Nam-ki evaluated the industrial activity trend in September, saying, "We have laid a foothold for a rebound in consumption in the fourth quarter."



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