(LEAD) S. Korea extends current account surplus in Aug. amid solid exports

Seoul, Oct. 8 (Yonhap) -- The Bank of Korea reported South Korea's current account surplus in August, marking the second-highest on record at US$46.1 billion, a 4% increase from July. This surplus surpassed $40 billion for the third straight month and accounted for 3.6% of the country's GDP. It was the highest since June, edging past $49.73 billion.

Over the first eight months of the year, the surplus rose to $279.2 billion, nearly quadrupling compared to the same period in 2024. The goods account contributed $46.81 billion to the surplus, with exports surging 82.1% to $104.8 billion, while imports increased 23.8% to $57.99 billion. Chip exports tripled, and petroleum products rose 64.9%.

Car and ship exports, however, fell by 30.1% and 45.2%, respectively. The services account recorded a $1.68 billion deficit, largely due to declines in business services and travel. The travel deficit widened from $340 million to $770 million, while primary income and dividend interest income from abroad accounted for a $1.92 billion surplus.

South Korea has maintained a current account surplus for 40 consecutive months since May 2023, with 2025 seeing its largest annual surplus at $123.05 billion.