Korea Business News Agency - NSP NEWS AGENCY.

(Seoul=NSP NEWS) = South Korea recorded a current account surplus of $7.18 billion in February, marking the third-longest streak of monthly surpluses since the 2000s. The continued growth in exports of IT products and a turnaround in non-IT exports more than offset a decline in semiconductor shipments.

However, growing concerns persist over prolonged economic uncertainty, as China's retaliatory tariffs—in response to the U.S.’s recent reciprocal tariff measures—may have a longer-than-expected impact on the Korean economy.

According to the preliminary “Balance of Payments for February 2025” released by the Bank of Korea on August 8, the country’s current account remained in surplus for the 22nd consecutive month, solidifying its position as one of the longest-running surplus periods since the early 2000s.

The February surplus was primarily driven by a strong goods account, which recorded a surplus of $8.18 billion.

Exports rose 3.6% year-on-year to $53.79 billion, led by continued momentum in IT-related items such as computers (+28.5%) and telecommunication devices (+17.5%), despite a 2.5% decline in semiconductor exports.
Non-IT exports also contributed positively, with automobile shipments up 18.8% and pharmaceuticals increasing 28.1%.

Imports reached $45.61 billion, up 1.3% from the previous month.

By region, exports to Southeast Asia and the United States rose by 9.2% and 1.0%, respectively, while shipments to China and Japan declined by 1.4% and 4.8%.

By Geul-sam Kwon(gulsam2049@nspna.com) and Soo-in Kang(sink606@nspna.com)

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