South Korea Records Largest Monthly Current Account Surplus

The Bank of Korea reported that South Korea achieved its largest-ever monthly current account surplus of $49.73 billion in June 2026. This follows a previous record of $38.61 billion set in May, contributing to a total surplus of $191.01 billion for the first half of the year, which is four times the amount recorded during the same period in 2025.

A record goods account surplus of $47.89 billion drove the growth, supported by an 84.5% year-on-year increase in exports to $112.37 billion. The surge was specifically led by shipments of semiconductors and computer peripherals, which rose by 196.9% and 282.7% respectively.

Imports increased 38.6% to a range between $47.89 billion and $64.48 billion, primarily for capital goods and raw materials. Other account balances included a $3.27 billion surplus in the primary income account and a $1.29 billion deficit in the services account.