Import price index highest ever

Raw materials import prices increased again due to prices rising for crude oil and container rate over the last 6 months. The price index hit a new high again in March.
According to the Korea Importers Association (KOIMA), the index recorded 137.47 points in March, 4.23 higher than February. The KOIMA index has continually increased since October of last year, and hit 133.23 points in February, the highest index ever at that time.
Of 30 items, 10 decreased in price including like scrap iron, billeting, aluminum and nonferrous metals but the price of another 14 items including crude oil, corn, pulp, soybean and coffee increased. The import price index of 6 items including iron ore, and soft coal remained steady.
An insider at the association said, "The import prices of steel and nonferrous metals declined but raw material prices increased generally because of rising of crude oil prices, container rates and farm produce demand."