S. Korean economy faces high inflation, external uncertainty

South Korean economy shows a continued increase in exports and domestic consumption but still faces high inflationary pressure and global economic uncertainty, a state-run think tank said Sunday. The Korea Development Institute said in its monthly report on the latest economic situation that production in the mining industry rose 0.7 percent from the previous month, continuing its steady growth, and production in the service industry is improving as well, according to South Korean (Yonhap) News Agency. "Fluctuations became narrower as the pace of production and inventory growth leveled out gradually," it said. The KDI said that consumer sales remained strong as retail sales jumped 5.6 percent on-year in June and consumer sentiment stood at 102, two notches above the 100 mark. Exports increased 27.3 percent in July from a year earlier to US$7.22 billion, said the KDI. Consumer prices, however, grew 4.7 percent on-year in June as prices of services and goods rose significantly, it said, adding the South Korean financial market will be affected by lingering global economic uncertainties stemming from the U.S. debt crisis and European financial crisis despite signs of a recovery in emerging markets.