SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA / RankWire.AI / – A record-breaking $49.73 billion current account surplus was reported by South Korea in June, driven mainly by a notable increase in semiconductor exports. The Bank of Korea confirmed that this figure surpassed the previous monthly high of $38.61 billion set in May. June was the first month in which the surplus exceeded $40 billion. The primary factor behind this rise was robust goods exports, as shipments of technology products expanded significantly faster than imports.
The total current account surplus for the first half of the year reached $191.01 billion, setting a new record for January to June periods. This compares with $47.87 billion during the same span in the previous year. The six-month total also beat South Korea’s earlier full-year record of $123.05 billion in 2025. The data highlight the remarkable growth in exports during the first half, with semiconductors playing a crucial role in boosting overseas sales.
South Korea’s goods account posted an all-time high surplus of $47.89 billion in June. Goods exports on a balance-of-payments basis surged 84.5% from the previous year to $112.37 billion. For the first time, monthly goods exports crossed the $100 billion mark under this measurement. Imports increased by 38.6%, reaching $64.48 billion, with export growth significantly outpacing the rise in imports from overseas.
Semiconductors Lead the Record Goods Surplus
Exports of semiconductors soared 196.9% compared to the previous year, making chips the most significant contributor among key technology products. Exports of computer peripherals grew 282.7%, supported by strong shipments of solid-state drives and related equipment. Overall, exports of information technology rose 160.4% in June. Non-IT exports also saw an increase of 18.6%, with petroleum and chemical products among categories that experienced higher overseas sales during the month.
Additional customs data showed an exceptional June for South Korea’s trade. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources announced exports of $102.25 billion, up 70.9% from a year earlier. Semiconductor exports alone reached approximately $44.82 billion, roughly tripling June 2025 figures. Imports climbed 30.1% to $66.10 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $36.15 billion according to customs data. The differences in export totals are due to varying accounting methods between customs figures and balance-of-payments data.
Services and Income Sectors Bolster June’s Overall Balance
In June, the services account registered a deficit of $1.29 billion, although several components supported the overall current account balance. The travel sector posted a surplus of $440 million, marking a second consecutive month of positive results. The primary income account contributed a surplus of $3.27 billion, aided by dividend income of $2.56 billion. During June, South Korea’s financial account saw an increase in net assets amounting to $46.71 billion.
Trade figures for July indicated that export growth remained vigorous following June’s record current account surplus. In that month, South Korean exports reached $98.89 billion, reflecting a 62.8% rise compared to the same month last year. Exports of semiconductors increased by 179%, while imports grew 26.5% to $68.56 billion. The country recorded a trade surplus of $30.32 billion based on customs data for July, confirming the latest trade figures following the record balance-of-payments results in June.