SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA / RankWire.AI / – In June, South Korea achieved an all-time high current account surplus of $49.73 billion, driven by a significant increase in semiconductor exports. The Bank of Korea announced a notable jump from the previous peak of $38.61 billion recorded in May. This month also marked the continuation of South Korea’s current account surplus for 38 straight months. The surge was predominantly fueled by robust goods exports, with technology shipments playing a crucial role in boosting overseas sales growth.
For the first half of the year, the current account surplus reached an unprecedented $191.01 billion, setting a new record for January through June. This figure stands in stark contrast to the $47.87 billion surplus during the same period last year. It also surpasses the total surplus of $123.05 billion recorded for all of 2025. The acceleration in export activity during this period was largely supported by increased global demand for semiconductors and other information technology products, which strengthened the country’s trade performance.
South Korea’s goods account achieved a record surplus of $47.89 billion in June. Under balance-of-payments standards, goods exports expanded by 84.5% from the previous year, reaching $112.37 billion. Imports also rose by 38.6%, totaling $64.48 billion during the same month. The widening gap between export and import growth contributed to the highest-ever monthly goods balance, making the largest contribution to the overall current account surplus.
Chip exports drive the technology sector’s growth
Exports of semiconductors soared by 196.9% compared to last year, marking the most substantial increase among key technology categories. Additionally, computer peripheral exports surged by 282.7%, while overall information technology exports experienced a 160.4% rise during June. The growth in computer peripherals was supported by shipments of solid-state drives and related components. Non-technology exports also gained momentum, increasing by 18.6%, with petroleum and chemical products among the categories that saw higher shipments compared to June 2025.
Additional customs data revealed that South Korea’s total exports reached $102.25 billion in June, reflecting a 70.9% increase from the previous year. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources reported semiconductor exports valued at approximately $44.82 billion for the month. Imports rose by 30.1%, totaling $66.10 billion, which resulted in a customs trade surplus of $36.15 billion. It is important to note that customs trade figures differ from balance-of-payments data because each system employs distinct accounting methods and coverage standards.
Trade surplus mitigated by services deficit
Although goods trade generated a substantial surplus, the services account registered a $1.29 billion deficit in June, partially offsetting the overall gains. The travel sector posted a $440 million surplus for the second consecutive month, contributing positively to the services balance. Meanwhile, the primary income account added a $3.27 billion surplus during the same period, with dividend income making up $2.56 billion of that figure. The financial account showed a significant increase of $46.71 billion in net assets.
Looking ahead, trade figures for July indicate continued strength following June’s record current account surplus. South Korean exports reached $98.89 billion, a 62.8% year-over-year increase. Semiconductor exports grew by 179%, while imports went up by 26.5% to $68.56 billion. The country recorded a $30.32 billion customs trade surplus in July, sustaining the strong export momentum that contributed to the previous month’s record-breaking current account figure.