The Bank of Korea published preliminary balance of payments data for February 2026 showing a current account surplus of USD 23.19bn, led by a large goods surplus that more than offset a services deficit. Net assets in the financial account increased by USD 22.80bn over the month. The goods account recorded a USD 23.36bn surplus as exports rose 29.9% year on year to USD 70.37bn while imports increased 4.0% to USD 47.00bn. The services account posted a USD 1.86bn deficit, reflecting deficits in travel and manufacturing services, while the primary income account registered a USD 2.48bn surplus on higher income on equity; the secondary income account remained in deficit at USD 0.79bn. In the financial account, net direct investment increased by USD 2.87bn and net portfolio investment by USD 20.58bn, with portfolio liabilities falling by USD 11.94bn alongside an USD 8.64bn rise in portfolio assets; other investment recorded a net decrease of USD 2.50bn, and reserve assets decreased by USD 1.36bn.
Bank of Korea 2026-04-08
Bank of Korea reports February 2026 current account surplus of USD 23.19bn
The Bank of Korea reported a preliminary current account surplus of USD 23.19bn for February 2026, driven by a USD 23.36bn goods surplus that offset a USD 1.86bn services deficit and a USD 0.79bn secondary income deficit. Net assets in the financial account increased by USD 22.80bn, reflecting higher net direct investment of USD 2.87bn and net portfolio investment of USD 20.58bn, partly offset by decreases in other investment and reserve assets.