Gwangju and Jeonnam Industrial and Construction Orders 'Decline' While Retail Sales 'Rebound'

In January 2025, the production of mining and manufacturing industries and construction orders in Gwangju and Jeonnam saw a significant decrease, while retail sales increased.

January 2025 Gwangju Industrial Activity Trends. Provided by Honam Regional Statistics Office

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According to the January 2025 Industrial Activity Trends in Gwangju and Jeonnam released by the Honam Regional Statistics Office on the 4th, mining and manufacturing production in Gwangju decreased by 7.2% compared to the same month of the previous year and by 6.4% compared to the previous month. While electrical equipment, tobacco, and fabricated metal products increased, there were sharp declines in automobiles (-24.3%), machinery equipment (-9.3%), and rubber and plastics (-19.6%).

Retail sales increased by 8.5% compared to the same month last year. Both department stores (5.8%) and large discount stores (11.9%) showed growth. In particular, sales of entertainment, hobby, and sports goods (154.9%) and food and beverages (16.2%) increased. On the other hand, footwear and bags (-15.5%) and home appliances (-1.4%) decreased.

Construction orders recorded 46.5 billion KRW, a decrease of 91.4% compared to the same month last year. The public sector decreased by 82.8%, and the private sector decreased by 93.2%. Both building construction (-91.9%) and civil engineering (-89.2%) showed a downward trend.

Industrial Activity Trends in Jeonnam, January 2025. Provided by Honam Regional Statistics Office

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Production in the mining and manufacturing sector in Jeonnam increased by 2.8% compared to the same month last year but decreased by 3.5% compared to the previous month. Electricity and gas (44.1%) and other transportation equipment (65.2%) increased, but there were notable declines in machinery equipment (-30%) and primary metals (-5.3%).

Retail sales increased by 13.1% compared to the same month last year. Sales of entertainment, hobby, and sports goods (55.8%) and food and beverages (18.3%) increased, while sales of clothing (-10.1%) and home appliances (-1.8%) decreased.

Construction orders recorded 132.6 billion KRW, a decrease of 54.7% compared to the same month last year. The public sector decreased by 42.2%, and the private sector decreased by 74.5%. Both building construction (-97.3%) and civil engineering (-32.9%) showed a downward trend.

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