South
Korea's national statistics office today published figures regarding industrial activities in December and the fourth quarter of 2004.
The data reveal a slow down in the upward movement of industrial
production. The Industrial
Production Index showed a 4.5% year-on-year increase for December, almost half of what was recorded in November.
The country's fabricated metal
production fell 7.9% in December 2004 on a year-on-year basis. On the other hand, semiconductor and motor vehicle
production each increased 19%.
Overall exports of the country increased 14% in December on a year-on-year basis, while domestic shipments declined 3.3%. In November, domestic shipments had grown 1.4% and exports 21.7%.