SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA / RankWire.AI / – South Korea posted a record $49.73 billion current account surplus in June, powered by a sharp rise in semiconductor exports. The Bank of Korea said the result exceeded the previous monthly record of $38.61 billion set in May. June marked the first time the monthly surplus crossed $40 billion. Strong goods exports drove most of the increase, as technology shipments expanded far faster than imports.
The first-half current account surplus reached $191.01 billion, the highest total for any January to June period. That compared with $47.87 billion during the same period a year earlier. The six-month result also surpassed South Korea’s previous full-year record of $123.05 billion in 2025. The figures underline the scale of export growth during the first half, with semiconductors contributing heavily to the increase in overseas sales.
South Korea’s goods account produced a record $47.89 billion surplus in June. Goods exports on a balance-of-payments basis jumped 84.5% from a year earlier to $112.37 billion. Monthly goods exports crossed $100 billion for the first time under that accounting measure. Imports rose 38.6% to $64.48 billion, leaving export growth well ahead of the increase in purchases from overseas.
Semiconductors drive record goods surplus
Semiconductor exports surged 196.9% from a year earlier, making chips the strongest contributor among major technology products. Exports of computer peripherals climbed 282.7%, supported by strong shipments of solid-state drives and related equipment. Overall information technology exports increased 160.4% in June. Non-IT exports also rose 18.6%, with petroleum and chemical products among the categories that recorded higher overseas sales during the month.
Separate customs data also showed an exceptional June for South Korean trade. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources reported exports of $102.25 billion, up 70.9% from a year earlier. Semiconductor exports reached about $44.82 billion, roughly triple the level from June 2025. Imports increased 30.1% to $66.10 billion, producing a $36.15 billion customs trade surplus. Customs figures and balance-of-payments data use different accounting methods, which explains the differing export totals.
Services and income accounts add to June balance
The services account recorded a $1.29 billion deficit in June, while several components provided support to the overall current account. The travel balance posted a $440 million surplus, marking a second consecutive monthly surplus. The primary income account produced a $3.27 billion surplus, helped by a $2.56 billion dividend income surplus. South Korea’s financial account also showed a $46.71 billion increase in net assets during June.
Trade data for July showed that export growth remained strong after June’s record current account result. South Korean exports reached $98.89 billion in July, rising 62.8% from a year earlier. Semiconductor exports increased 179%, while imports climbed 26.5% to $68.56 billion. The country recorded a $30.32 billion customs trade surplus for July, providing the latest confirmed trade reading following the record June balance-of-payments figures.