The Korea Institute of Certified Public Accountants noted that the Accounting Policy Research Institute announced the 'Certified Public Accountant Business Survey Index (CPA BSI)' for the first quarter of 2025 on the 26th.
This is the result of a survey conducted on certified public accountants with expertise and experience in the economy and industry (full-time accountants at partner level or higher at accounting firms and executive-level accountants in corporations).
According to the results of the survey, the Business Survey Index (BSI) for the current economic situation in the first quarter is 60, while the forecast BSI for the second quarter is 74. A BSI above 100 indicates an improvement in the economy, while a value below 100 indicates a deterioration.
The current BSI has shown a slight decrease compared to the second half of last year (66). This appears to reflect an increase in global economic uncertainty due to the shift in the U.S. protectionist trade policy, the ongoing recession trend leading to a reduction in the benchmark interest rate, and a slowdown in export growth in major industries due to intensified competition in the semiconductor industry.
The forecast BSI for the second quarter (74) is a figure that comprehensively reflects the uncertainty of tariff policies of the U.S. administration under Donald Trump, global economic uncertainty due to the U.S.-China trade conflict, delayed domestic recovery, and the characteristics of our economy, which has a high proportion of external exports. This indicates a continuing negative outlook following the first quarter (60).
Key factors expected to affect the economy of our country over the next year include ▲ global economic trends (27%) ▲ raw material prices and inflation (12%) ▲ responses to economic, security, and technological blockades (11.1%) ▲ changes in the direction of currency policy and funding environment (10.6%).
The industry-specific BSI shows figures such as shipbuilding (145), food and beverage (98), pharmaceuticals and biotechnology (97), and information and communication (96). Most industries, except for shipbuilding, were below the benchmark (100) and showed sluggish performance.
The industry forecast BSI also indicated figures such as shipbuilding (145), pharmaceuticals and biotechnology (101), electronics (98), and information and communication (95). Most industries, except for shipbuilding and pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, are projected to be negative, falling below the benchmark (100).
The detailed contents of CPA BSI No. 22 will be published on the Accounting Policy Research Institute’s website at the end of this month.