Eco-friendly vehicles lead July export gains
The ministry linked the July export increase to more operating days and continued overseas demand for eco-friendly vehicles and SUVs. Major automakers shifted summer vacation schedules from July in 2025 to August in 2026. That change increased the number of working days during the month. Higher production followed the same calendar effect, with output rising 11.3% year on year to 352,000 vehicles. June production had reached 394,000 vehicles, an increase of 11.6% from a year earlier.

U.S. retail diesel averaged $5.257 a gallon on August 10, compared with $5.348 a week earlier. Prices remained well above the $4.578 average recorded on July 6. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported that distillate inventories fell 3.5 million barrels during the week ended July 31. Stocks reached 107.2 million barrels, compared with 110.6 million a week earlier. The total was 5.1% below a year earlier and 16.1% below the comparable level two years ago.

Europe’s extreme summer heat and drought could cut EU economic output by about 1% in 2026, according to new analysis from Triodos Bank. The estimated loss equals roughly €180 billion and is close to the European Commission’s current growth forecast for the bloc. In May, the Commission projected EU gross domestic product would rise 1.1% this year. The comparison shows the scale of the weather-related damage estimated in the bank’s analysis.

Denmark’s annual consumer price inflation eased to 1.7% in July from 1.9% in June, with the consumer price index rising 1.3% from the previous month. Core inflation remained steady at 2.3%, with restaurants and hotels making the largest overall contribution to July inflation. Holiday home rental prices were the main driver within that category, while lower clothing, hotel accommodation, and footwear prices helped reduce the monthly rise. In terms of annual inflation, rent, holiday home rentals, and fuel were the main positive contributors, while food prices and package holidays had a negative impact.

Gold advanced for a third consecutive session on Tuesday as bullion extended its rebound from last week. Spot gold gained 1% to $4,432.74 an ounce by 0217 GMT, reaching its highest level since June 5. U.S. gold futures climbed 1.7% to $4,492.60. The move pushed prices above the seven-week peak recorded last week and continued a recovery that accelerated after weaker U.S. employment data.

Fresh vegetable prices have surged in South Korea as prolonged extreme heat reduced shipments and damaged farm output nationwide. Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp. data showed spinach at 1,978 won per 100 grams on Aug. 7, up 152.3% from a month earlier. Ten cucumbers cost 8,313 won, an increase of 54.8%. Blue lettuce rose 41.7%, while a zucchini climbed 46.6% to 1,504 won.