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

Seoul, South Korea - The Bank of Korea reported on Thursday that South Korea achieved a current account surplus of US$46.1 billion in August, marking the second highest on record. This figure represented a $4 billion increase from the previous month and a $36.2 billion jump compared to August 2025. The surge in the current account surplus was driven by robust exports as the global semiconductor sector experienced a significant upturn.

The goods account alone posted a surplus of $46.81 billion, with exports soaring 82.1 percent year-on-year to reach $104.8 billion. Imports, however, rose by 23.8 percent to $57.99 billion. The primary income account also contributed to the surplus with a $1.92 billion surplus, primarily due to an increase in income on equity. Since May 2023, South Korea has consistently reported a current account surplus, making August the 40th consecutive month of positive balance.

In 2025, South Korea recorded its largest annual current account surplus at $123.05 billion, surpassing the previous record of $105.1 billion set in 2015.