South Korea’s industrial production fell for a second consecutive month in May as manufacturing output contracted following Middle East war-related supply disruptions, semiconductor production adjustments and the lingering effects of an automobile parts factory fire, according to data released Tuesday by the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MOEF). Overall industrial production declined 0.3% from the previous month, while manufacturing fell 3%, offsetting a rebound in services output. Domestic demand showed signs of improvement, with retail sales rising 0.1% and construction completed increasing 3.8% after both declined in April.

MOEF said the manufacturing weakness reflected temporary disruptions rather than a deterioration