South Korea Posts Record High Current Account Surplus in September

South Korea has reported a record current account surplus of over $60 billion in September 2026, according to data from the Bank of Korea. This surplus, totaling $61.46 billion, marks a significant increase from $46.11 billion in August and surpasses the previous record of $49.73 billion set in June.

The surge in the surplus is primarily attributed to a remarkable growth in semiconductor exports, which rose by 92.4% year-on-year to reach $130.72 billion. Imports also increased but at a slower pace, climbing 29.4% to $67.97 billion. The goods account alone recorded a surplus of $62.75 billion.

For the first nine months of 2026, the cumulative current account surplus reached $340.66 billion, a fourfold increase compared to the same period last year. The Bank of Korea anticipates that the annual surplus for this year will exceed $450 billion, indicating a robust performance in the global semiconductor market.

An official from the Bank of Korea stated, "The current account surplus is expected to reach the second-highest level on record in October, with another record anticipated in December due to seasonal effects." This marks the 41st consecutive month that South Korea has maintained a current account surplus, showcasing its strong economic position.