South Korea's industrial output grew for the 18th straight month in December, suggesting the economic recovery remains on track, a government report showed Monday.   According to the report by Statistics Korea, production in the mining and manufacturing industries expanded 9.8 percent last month from the same month a year earlier. The output has expanded since July 2009.    Production grew 2.8 p

  The Obama administration will likely submit the pending free trade deal with South Korea to Congress in late March after undergoing a series of congressional hearings next month, reports said Sunday.   U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk is expected to appear at hearings at the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee in mid-February to "pave the way for a mock markup of th

  South Korean manufacturers' business confidence inched down for February on concerns that rising raw material prices could crimp their profitability, the central bank said Monday.   The index of manufacturers' outlook on business conditions reached 91 for February, down from 92 for January, according to the Bank of Korea (BOK). The index measures manufacturers' outlook on business conditions for

  South Korea's computer chip exports are expected to reach $52.5 billion in 2011, fueled by greater overseas demand for system semiconductors, the government said Monday.   The total represents a growth of 3.5 percent compared to the previous year, with outbound shipments of system semiconductors used to make products like smartphones and tablet PCs expanding 18.7 percent on-year to $19.1 billion

Consumer price hikes are showing no signs of let-up, two weeks after the government embarked on a sweeping campaign to fight inflation. Crop damage from extreme weather conditions combined with the country’s worst animal disease outbreak sent food prices to record high levels, hurting low-and middle-income households preparing for the Lunar New Year holiday this week.Pork prices jumped more than 2

SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) ― From star-gazing iPad applications to crystal-encrusted iPhone cases, a universe of products spun off of Apple gadgets flourished at Macworld Expo despite the absence of the sun around which they revolve.Attendance was on track to hit 25,000 by the time the annual gathering of Apple faithful ends on Saturday.The crowd was down from the 40,000 to 50,000 people seen in years when Apple took part and chief executive Steve Jobs starred in presentations that included unveiling h

Volkswagen AG, Porsche SE and Bayerische Motoren Werke AG are feeling the pinch of tight component supplies as parts-makers struggle to keep pace with resurgent vehicle demand.Volkswagen, Europe’s biggest automaker, will halt production at its main factory in Wolfsburg, Germany, on Jan. 31, because of a shortage of engines and other parts. BMW, the world’s biggest luxury-car maker, Porsche and Dai

Kia Motors Corp. is offering a chance to test drive the city car Morning for four days from Feb. 12 to 15.The event is open to anyone with a valid driver’s license over the age of 21, and applications can be submitted on the company’s website at www.kia.co.kr.The company will announce 50 successful applicants on the website from Feb. 10. Those selected for the event will also be given mobile coupo

Renault Samsung Motors Co. is offering a 20 percent discount on mechanics fees and selected parts until Feb. 18.During the period, those replacing engine oils, batteries, anti-freeze fluid and brake pads will be able to receive services at the discount rates at the 448 directly-operated and associated service centers across the country. The offer is available for all Renault Samsung vehicles. For