S.Korea Sept industrial power demand jumps

Published: 13 Oct 2009 18:01:59 PST

SEOUL, Oct 14 - South Korean electricity demand for industrial use jumped in September by the fastest annual pace in 18 months in line with recovering manufacturing activity, the Ministry of Knowledge Economy said on Wednesday.

Electricity demand in the industrial sector rose 8.5 percent in September over a year earlier, up sharply from a 1.4 percent annual gain in August and the fastest since an 8.6 percent rise in March last year, the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry's data showed early this month exports in September fell by a less-than-expected 6.6 percent over a year earlier, ending a 10-month spell of double-digit annual losses and adding to optimism for Asia's fourth-largest economy. [ID:nSEO122207]