South Korea's current account surplus extended its record-setting run in June, supported by strong semiconductor exports, central bank data showed Thursday.

The surplus reached $49.73 billion in June, up from the previous record of $38.61 billion in May, according to data from the Bank of Korea. It was the largest monthly current account surplus ever and marked the second straight month of unprecedented gains.

Compared with the same month a year earlier, the surplus rose sharply from $13.97 billion.

South Korea has now posted a current account surplus every month since May 2023, making June the 38th consecutive month the balance has remained in the black. The streak underscores the role of trade and income flows in supporting the country's external balance, with June's figures showing especially strong contributions from exports and dividend income.

For 2025, the country recorded its largest annual surplus on record at $123.05 billion, exceeding the previous high of $105.1 billion set in 2015.

The goods account posted a $47.89 billion surplus in June, also a monthly record, as exports climbed 84.5 percent from a year earlier to $112.37 billion, surpassing the $100 billion mark for the first time. Imports rose 38.6 percent to about $64.48 billion.

Exports of information technology products jumped 160.4 percent from a year earlier, including a 196.9 percent increase in chip shipments and a 282.7 percent rise in computer peripherals. The export mix highlights how semiconductors remain a key driver of South Korea's trade performance.

The services account posted a $1.29 billion deficit in June, widening from a $1.09 billion shortfall in the previous month amid higher intellectual property-related payments.

The primary income account, which includes wages of foreign workers along with dividend and interest income from abroad, recorded a $3.27 billion surplus on stronger dividend income. (Yonhap)