SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA / RankWire.AI / – A record-breaking current account surplus of $49.73 billion was recorded by South Korea in June, driven primarily by a significant surge in semiconductor exports. The Bank of Korea stated that this figure surpassed the previous monthly peak of $38.61 billion set in May. June marked the first month in which the surplus exceeded $40 billion. The majority of this growth was propelled by robust goods exports, as technology shipments expanded at a pace far faster than imports.
The cumulative current account surplus for the first half of the year reached $191.01 billion, marking the highest total for any January to June period. This compares to $47.87 billion during the same period last year. Additionally, the six-month total exceeded South Korea’s previous full-year record of $123.05 billion in 2025. These figures highlight the impressive export expansion during the first half, with semiconductors playing a major role in boosting overseas sales.
South Korea’s goods account achieved a historic surplus of $47.89 billion in June. Goods exports, based on the balance-of-payments approach, surged 84.5% year-over-year to $112.37 billion. For the first time under this measure, monthly goods exports crossed the $100 billion mark. Imports also increased significantly, rising 38.6% to $64.48 billion, resulting in export growth outpacing the rise in overseas purchases.
Semiconductors Lead Record Goods Surplus
Exports of semiconductors jumped 196.9% compared to the previous year, making chips the top contributor among major tech products. Exports of computer peripherals increased by 282.7%, supported by strong shipments of solid-state drives and related equipment. Overall, information technology exports grew by 160.4% in June. Non-IT exports also saw an 18.6% rise, with petroleum and chemical products among the categories experiencing higher overseas sales during the month.
Additional customs data reflected an exceptional month for South Korean trade. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources reported exports totaling $102.25 billion, up 70.9% from the previous year. Semiconductor exports alone reached about $44.82 billion, approximately tripling the June 2025 level. Imports increased 30.1% to $66.10 billion, resulting in a customs trade surplus of $36.15 billion. The difference in totals between customs figures and balance-of-payments data stems from distinct accounting methods used by each source.
Services and Income Sectors Support June Trade Balance
In June, the services account registered a $1.29 billion deficit, while various components contributed positively to the overall current account. The travel balance posted a $440 million surplus, marking the second consecutive month of a surplus in this category. The primary income account saw a $3.27 billion surplus, bolstered by a $2.56 billion dividend income surplus. Additionally, South Korea’s financial account experienced a $46.71 billion increase in net assets during June.
Trade data for July indicates that export growth remained strong following June’s record current account surplus. South Korean exports reached $98.89 billion, reflecting a 62.8% increase from the same month last year. Semiconductor exports rose by 179%, while imports grew 26.5% to $68.56 billion. For July, the country recorded a customs trade surplus of $30.32 billion, confirming the latest trade figures following June’s record balance-of-payments results.