Illustration of South Korea's record semiconductor-driven current account surplus, featuring Seoul skyline and financial charts.
Illustration of South Korea's record semiconductor-driven current account surplus, featuring Seoul skyline and financial charts.
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South Korea posts record current account surplus in May

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South Korea recorded an all-time high current account surplus of $38.61 billion in May, driven by strong semiconductor exports, Bank of Korea data showed.

The Bank of Korea reported on July 8 that the current account surplus reached $38.61 billion in May, up from $28.29 billion the previous month. This surpassed the prior record of $37.93 billion set in March.

The figure was also sharply higher than $9.91 billion a year earlier. South Korea has now posted a current account surplus for 37 straight months since May 2023.

The goods account showed a $37.86 billion surplus as exports jumped 62.9 percent to $94.34 billion. Information technology product exports surged 128.9 percent.

A BOK official said the first-half surplus is likely to exceed the $151.5 billion target and the full-year total will probably top the earlier $250 billion forecast.

What people are saying

Initial reactions on X highlight the record $38.61B May current account surplus as a positive signal for the KRW, Bank of Korea policy flexibility, and semiconductor-driven exports, with some noting bullish implications for markets.

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