China+ Datanote: Bank of Korea Decision, Korea, May

In one line: BoK cuts to 2.50% on weaker growth outlook amid tariff war impact

China+ Datanote: Industrial Profits, China, April

In one line: China’s April profit growth masks uneven recovery beneath; Trade uncertainty clouds outlook 

China+ Datanote: Exports, Korea, May

In one line: Korea's exports set back less severe than expected, as tariff reprieve offers breathing space

4 June 2025 China+ Monitor China's divergent PMI readings suggest targeted sector pain

• China’s May manufacturing PMI readings diverged, as activity gradually revived post-May 12’s tariff truce.
• Small exporters are likely being hit harder by the trade-policy oscillations, and the détente is already fraying.
• Sentiment has held up surprisingly well, and improved slightly in both manufacturing gauges.

3 June 2025 China+ Monitor Korea heads to the polls amid economic and trade uncertainty

• Both candidates in the presidential election have committed to a KRW30T fiscal plan to boost the economy.
• May’s export growth was not as weak as it appeared; WDA monthly and annual growth were positive.
• Still, tariff and trade-policy uncertainty will continue to weigh on Korea’s GDP growth in 2025.

CHINA+ DATA WRAP 2 June 2025: Korean PMI shows domestic demand tanking

Korean PMI shows domestic demand tanking, but sentiment is improving thanks to tariff war pause

2 June 2025 China+ Monitor Tokyo inflation still elevated, but new rice-supply plan is promising

• Tokyo consumer inflation was flat in May, as fresh food inflation cooled but rice inflation soared.
• The new rice-reserve-release plan looks good though, and should lower inflation in the coming months.
• The BoJ is likely to stay put, amid sluggish growth and with little chance of a big upside trade surprise in H2

May 2025 - China+ Chartbook

- CHINA MORE RESPONSIVE TO FALTERING GROWTH THIS YEAR
- JAPAN’S STUMBLING GROWTH A REASON FOR BOJ CAUTION
- BOK SET TO RESUME RATE CUTS IN MAY