South Korea recorded its largest-ever monthly current account surplus of $23.19 billion in February, according to Bank of Korea data. The figure was driven by a semiconductor upcycle and robust exports. It sharply exceeded January's $13.26 billion and surpassed the previous record of $18.7 billion set in December 2025.
Bank of Korea (BOK) data showed South Korea's current account surplus reached $23.19 billion in February, up sharply from $13.26 billion in January. This marked the highest monthly figure ever, topping the previous record of $18.7 billion in December 2025. The country has posted surpluses every month since May 2023, extending the streak to 34 months, the second longest in history.
The goods account surplus hit a record $23.36 billion, as exports rose 29.9 percent year-on-year to $70.37 billion while imports increased 4 percent to about $47 billion. Chip exports soared 157.9 percent, IT products 103.3 percent, and computer peripherals 183.6 percent.
The services account posted a $1.86 billion deficit, mainly due to rising overseas travel demand. The primary income account recorded a $2.48 billion surplus driven by dividend earnings, while the secondary income account showed a $790 million deficit.
In the financial account, net assets rose by $22.8 billion, up from $5.63 billion the prior month. Overseas direct investment by residents increased $3.81 billion, foreign direct investment in South Korea $940 million. Local investors added $8.64 billion in overseas stocks, while foreigners reduced holdings by $11.94 billion.
In 2025, the annual surplus was a record $123.05 billion, exceeding the 2015 high of $105.1 billion. As reported by Yonhap News Agency.
