South Korea's Current Account Reaches Record Surplus in February on Semiconductor Exports

-- South Korea's balance of payments topped the $20-billion mark for the first time in February due to a surge in semiconductor shipments.

The country logged a positive current account balance of $23.19 billion in January, surging from $7.23 billion a year earlier, the Bank of Korea reported Wednesday.

The figure is the 34th consecutive month of current account surpluses, Bloomberg said, citing the central bank.

Goods exports surged to a new all-time high of $23.36 billion in the month from $8.98 billion in the prior-year period.

The figure surpassed the previous peak of $18.85 billion in December 2025, Asia Business Daily reported the same day.

Exports surged nearly 30% to $70.37 billion from $54.19 billion. The increase could be attributable to a 158% surge in semiconductor exports, according to the Asia Business Daily report, citing Customs.

Imports grew year over year to $47 billion from $45.2 billion.

South Korea's service account deficit narrowed to $1.86 billion during the month from $3.38 billion.

The central bank attributed the continuing deficit to losses in the travel and manufacturing services accounts.

The primary income account logged a surplus of $2.48 billion, up from $2.41 billion, due to higher equity income, the central bank said.

Secondary income deficit stayed at $790 million, unchanged from a year earlier.