The OECD and IMF both published forecasts for South Korea’s economic growth in 2026, signaling a brighter outlook compared with 2025. The OECD expects real GDP to grow by about 2.1 percent next year, up from the modest 1.0 percent forecast for 2025. Meanwhile, the IMF projects a 1.8 percent growth in 2026, after estimating 0.9 percent growth this year. According to the OECD, the improving outlook is driven by a rebound in private consumption — supported by fiscal and monetary easing policies and rising real wages — and by continued employment gains, thanks in part to increased labor-market participation among women and older workers. Exports are expected to support growth in the short term, although the report warns that long-term export and business-investment growth could be dampened by global uncertainty over tariffs and structural shifts in supply chains. On the other hand, both institutions note that the recovery remains fragile: growth could exceed projections if households spend more from rising incomes and public transfers, but risks remain if global trade tensions worsen or domestic demand stays weak, in which case a more sustainable fiscal and monetary policy will be needed. (ICE SEOUL)

Fonte notizia: KOREA JOONGANG DAILY