SEOUL, Sept 29 (Reuters) - South Korea's current account surplus more than tripled to $1.39 billion in August from $426 million in July on robust exports, the central bank said on Monday.
The Bank of Korea said in a statement that August's current account surplus climbed for a fourth consecutive month on the back of a healthier trade surplus, helped by brisk exports of telecommunication devices, semiconductors and chemical products.
"Although car exports fell for a second consecutive month on labour unrest, exports of telecommunications, chemical products, semiconductors and steel products reported a sharp rise," the bank said.
In the first eight months of this year, the country posted a $2.62 billion surplus, against $3.60 billion in the same period last year.
The current account, the broadest measure of foreign trade, includes all trade of goods and services as well as capital transaction and non-business transfers such as donations and aid.