FX.co ★ South Korea Trade Surplus Exceeds Forecasts

South Korea’s trade surplus soared to USD 23.77 billion in April 2026, up sharply from USD 4.88 billion a year earlier, exceeding market expectations of a USD 23 billion surplus and extending its streak in positive territory to a 15th consecutive month, according to flash estimates. Exports surged 48% year-on-year, beating the consensus forecast of 45.3%, though easing slightly from a revised 49.2% increase in March, largely on the back of robust semiconductor shipments. Imports climbed 16.7%, outpacing projections of 14.5% and accelerating from a 13.2% gain in March, marking a sixth straight month of growth and reflecting solid domestic demand.