Corporate sales growth, profitability improve in Q2

Korean businesses experienced stronger sales growth and enhanced profitability in the second quarter of 2026, according to data released by the Bank of Korea (BOK) on Wednesday. The surge in corporate sales was primarily driven by chipmakers and petrochemical firms. Overall, corporate sales rose by 26.7 percent on a quarter-over-quarter basis, compared to a 13.5 percent increase in the previous quarter. This growth was measured based on a review of 26,509 companies subjected to external audits.

Manufacturers saw particularly impressive sales growth, with a 39.6 percent increase on a quarter-over-quarter basis, up from 21.1 percent in the previous three-month period. The strength of chipmakers was a major factor behind this surge. In contrast, the non-manufacturing sector recorded a 9.7 percent expansion in sales during the same timeframe, marking a significant acceleration from the 3.7 percent rise in the preceding quarter.

The maritime transport industry was identified as a key contributor to the gains, particularly following the Middle East war. On the profitability front, the operating profit-to-sales ratio improved notably, reaching 16.9 percent in the second quarter compared to 5.1 percent a year earlier. Additionally, the average debt-to-equity ratio decreased to 84.5 percent in the second quarter from 87 percent in the previous quarter, indicating a more favorable financial position for these businesses.