Trump Delays Tariff Increases on Furniture and Cabinets for One More Year 
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China Imposes 55% Tariff on Beef Imports Above Quota to Protect Domestic Industry 
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U.S. Dollar Slides Toward Biggest Annual Loss Since 2017 as 2026 Risks Loom 
South Korea Exports Hit Record High as Global Trade Momentum Builds 
China Manufacturing PMI Rebounds in December, Offering Boost to Economic Growth Outlook 
Singapore GDP Growth Surges in 2025 but Outlook Remains Cautious Amid Global Trade Risks 
South Korean Won Slides Despite Government Efforts to Stabilize Currency Markets 
South Korea lost about 277,000 jobs in July to push the number of unemployed people to 1.13 million, up by 41,000 lost jobs from last year.
The figure represents a jobless rate of 4 percent, up by 0.1 percent from last year.
The unemployment rate is the highest since July 1999 when there were 1.47 million without jobs and the fifth consecutive month of decline in employment.
The increase in unemployment was mostly attributable to those aged 40 and above.
The unemployment rate for those aged between 15 and 29 was at 9.7 percent, down 0.1 percentage point on-year.
The employment rate for those between 15 and 64 reached 66 percent, down 1.1 percent from last year.
The number of temporary workers plunged by 395,000 in July, while jobs for day laborers dropped 44,000.
By industry, the foodservice and accommodation and segment saw a drop of 225,000 jobs last month, and the wholesale and retail sector losing 127,000.
The decrease is attributed to people refraining from having gatherings or going outside, along with a sharp plunge in the number of inbound tourists.
In contrast, the social welfare sector gained 161,000 jobs in June, and the logistics industry added 58,000 jobs.
Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki described as "hurtful" the weak job figures for young adults and the troubles faced by industries requiring face-to-face interactions, such as restaurants and accommodation.
Hong noted on social media that jobs have been decreasing by a smaller margin since May. He added that the recent heavy rainfall might adversely impact recovery.
