National Data Office: Exports in Gyeonggi and Chungnam Regions Hit Record High in Second Quarter

Driven by a boom in semiconductor exports, the second quarter of this year saw the largest-ever increase in exports for the Gyeonggi and Chungnam regions. According to the '2026 Second Quarter Regional Economic Trends' released by the National Data Office on the 19th, Gyeonggi saw an increase of $50.75 billion compared to the same period last year, while Chungnam rose by $34.49 billion and Chungbuk by $2.53 billion. Exports in the second quarter increased across all 16 cities and provinces nationwide compared to the same period last year. Ulsan recorded its largest-ever increase, rising by $3.95 billion from the previous year due to growth in petroleum product exports.

Production and consumption indicators showed mixed results across regions. Mining and manufacturing production increased in eight cities and provinces, including Chungbuk (27.8%), Gwangju (9.1%), and Daegu (5.7%), but declined in nine regions, including Jeonnam (-9.2%), Seoul (-5.7%), and Daejeon (-5.3%). Service sector production showed an upward trend in Seoul (7.5%), Gyeonggi (4.6%), and Daegu (3.8%), driven by growth in finance and insurance, professional and scientific services, and wholesale and retail sectors.

Consumption indicators varied by region. Retail sales increased in nine cities and provinces, including Seoul (3.8%), Daegu (3.5%), and Busan (3.4%), while decreasing in Daejeon (-5.1%), Gyeongnam (-2.7%), and Jeonbuk (-2.4%). The National Data Office explained that retail sales in Seoul and other areas increased, centered on department stores, influenced by the stock market rally. It added that the Samsung Electronics discount event held in the second quarter also contributed to the increase in consumption.

Consumer prices rose in all cities and provinces compared to the previous year, influenced by factors such as the conflict in the Middle East.