The prices of imported agricultural, livestock and marine products have been on the rise for three consecutive months since the end of last year.
According to the Korea Trade Statistics Agency, the import price index for livestock and fishery products was 112.6 in February, up 31.7% from the same month last year.
Following December of last year and January of this year, it has been showing an increase of more than 30% for three months, and by sector, agricultural products 33.3, livestock products 36.7, and aquatic products rose 13.5%.
As international grain prices soared due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, import prices are expected to rise more steeply in March.
—
The operating profit and net profit of companies listed on the KOSPI and KOSDAQ markets recorded record highs last year.
According to the Korea Exchange, the consolidated net income of 595 companies listed on the KOSPI for the year ended December last year was 156.5 trillion won and the operating profit was 183.9 trillion won, all record highs.
Operating profit was 1.9 times the level of 2012, 10 years ago, and net profit was 2.4 times.
Operating profit and net profit of 1,48 KOSDAQ corporations during the same period were also record highs.
However, there is a prevailing view that the growth rate of listed companies will slow this year due to inflation and rising interest rates.
—
KOTRA is providing emergency support for logistics costs to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who are having difficulties due to China’s lockdown measures due to the spread of COVID-19.
In the event that export cargo arriving in China needs to suddenly change its route or need to be sent to another region in China, it can be stored at KOTRA’s joint logistics center and support inland transportation service in China for emergency transportation.
KOTRA plans to provide up to 7 million won per company to over 30 companies by the end of November.
Previously, KOTRA provided emergency support for logistics costs for cargo being transported to Russia and Ukraine.
