Seoul's industrial output, retail sales decline in Q1

emirates7 - In the first quarter of this year, Seoul experienced a decline in both industrial output and retail sales compared to the same period last year, although the city's service sector showed resilience amid a broader economic slowdown, according to government data released Tuesday.

Citing figures from Statistics Korea, Yonhap News Agency reported that Seoul's industrial production dropped by 2.1% year-on-year between January and March, mainly due to decreased output in electricity and gas, food manufacturing, and machinery and equipment industries.

In contrast, industrial production nationwide rose by 2.4% over the same period, driven by strong growth in the semiconductor, electronic components, and pharmaceutical sectors.

Retail sales in Seoul also decreased by 2.1% on-year during the first quarter, with the attributed to weaker sales in duty-free shops, as well as declines in automobile and fuel sales.

However, the city's service sector posted a 1.2% year-on-year increase, supported by continued growth in real estate, arts, sports, and recreation activities, the data showed.