Südkorea Verbraucherpreise

South Korea's inflation rate rose to 2.2% in January 2025, up from 1.9% in December, marking the highest level in six months. This increase is attributed to a weaker local currency, which drove up import prices. It also marked the first time in five months that inflation surpassed 2%. The rise in prices supported the Bank of Korea’s decision to hold interest rates steady at 3% in its January meeting, despite expectations for a 25 basis point cut. The central bank balanced concerns about economic growth risks with the pressure of a depreciating won, exacerbated by political instability. On a monthly basis, consumer prices climbed 0.7% in January, up from 0.4% in December, reaching the highest monthly increase since August 2023.