Barclays raised its forecast for South Korea's current-account surplus to
$440bln in 2026 and $400bln in 2027, up from prior estimates of $345bln and
$378.5bln. Economist Bum Ki Son said the upgrade reflects a goods trade surplus
driven by sustained chip-led export momentum. Customs data show exports through
early September have already exceeded the full-year 2025 total.