As the won/dollar exchange rate surged last month, the import price index rose for the first time in three months.
According to the import and export price index statistics released by the Bank of Korea, the import price index in won in September was 154.38, up 3.3% from August.
Compared to the previous month, it turned to an upward trend for the first time in three months, which is 24.1% higher than in September of last year.
By item, among raw materials, mineral products including crude oil rose 3.3% from the previous month, and among intermediate goods, computers, electronics, and optical equipment rose 5.4%.
Among detailed items, natural gas rose 13.7%, bags 10.2%, and system semiconductors 8.7%.
The Bank of Korea explained, "International oil prices fell, but import prices rose as the won/dollar exchange rate rose."
The average won/dollar exchange rate last month was 1,391.59 won, up 5.5% from the previous month.
The export price index in won in September was 131.74, up 3.2% from August.
Although international oil prices are falling and semiconductor prices are also falling, it is analyzed that they rose due to the sharp rise in the exchange rate.
(Photo = Yonhap News)