Bank of Korea data showed South Korea's current-account surplus was $28.3bn in
April, down from March's record $37.9bn but still the second-highest monthly
surplus on record. Exports rose about 55% YoY, leaving a goods trade of surplus
$33.9bn (also the second-highest); semiconductors and IT products were the
primary drivers, petroleum product exports also increased, and imports were up
16.1% YoY. The data underscore that Korea's trade sector remains a key
beneficiary of the global AI investment surge, with chip exports continuing to
offset geopolitical disruption to global commerce.
