Korea Posts Largest-Ever Current Account Surplus in February

Seoul: The Republic of Korea recorded its largest-ever monthly current account surplus in February, driven by a semiconductor upcycle and strong exports, central bank data showed Wednesday. The current account surplus totaled US$23.19 billion in February, up sharply from $13.26 billion in January. According to Emirates News Agency, the data from the Bank of Korea (BOK) marked the highest monthly surplus ever, surpassing the previous record of $18.7 billion set in December 2025. Korea has reported a current account surplus every month since May 2023, extending its winning streak to 34 consecutive months, the second longest in history. The goods account posted a surplus of $23.36 billion in February, as exports jumped 29.9 percent on-year to $70.37 billion, while imports added 4 percent to about $47 billion. The services account recorded a deficit of $1.86 billion in February due mainly to an increase in overseas travel demand. The primary income account, which includes wages of foreign workers, as well as d ividend and interest income from abroad, posted a surplus of $2.48 billion, driven primarily by dividend earnings. The secondary income account recorded a $790 million deficit. In the financial account, the country's net assets increased by $22.8 billion in February, up sharply from a $5.63 billion rise the previous month. Overseas direct investment by Korean residents rose by $3.81 billion, while foreign direct investment in Korea increased by $940 million. In securities investment, local investors increased their overseas holdings, mainly in stocks, by $8.64 billion in February, while foreign investors reduced their investments by $11.94 billion to take profits from recent gains, the data showed.