The Bank of Korea’s preliminary balance of payments data show Korea recorded a USD 28.29 billion current account surplus in April 2026, driven by a USD 33.88 billion goods surplus. Exports rose 54.5% year on year to USD 90.59 billion, while imports increased 16.1% to USD 56.70 billion. Offsetting part of that gain, the services account posted a USD 2.42 billion deficit, the primary income account a USD 2.53 billion deficit, and the secondary income account a USD 0.64 billion deficit. The services deficit reflected shortfalls in other business services and manufacturing services. The primary income deficit was attributed to a decrease in income on equity. In the financial account, net assets increased by USD 25.46 billion during April. Direct investment recorded a net increase of USD 7.60 billion, portfolio investment a net increase of USD 4.71 billion, and other investments a net increase of USD 13.65 billion, while reserve assets increased by USD 1.02 billion and financial derivatives showed a net decrease of USD 1.51 billion.
Bank of Korea2026-06-05
Bank of Korea reports preliminary April 2026 current account surplus of USD 28.29 billion
The Bank of Korea’s preliminary balance of payments data show a USD 28.29 billion current account surplus in April 2026, driven by a USD 33.88 billion goods surplus as exports rose 54.5% and imports 16.1% year on year. The services, primary income and secondary income accounts recorded deficits of USD 2.42 billion, USD 2.53 billion and USD 0.64 billion respectively. In the financial account, net external assets increased by USD 25.46 billion, led by higher direct, portfolio and other investments, a USD 1.02 billion rise in reserve assets and a USD 1.51 billion decline in financial derivatives.