Korea auto exports set new high through November

Dec 22, 2025, 08:39 am

South Korea’s automobile exports surpassed $66 billion through November, setting a new all-time record despite the impact of U.S. tariffs, government data showed Sunday.

According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, cumulative auto exports from January to November reached $66.039 billion, the highest level ever recorded. If the current pace continues, full-year exports are expected to exceed the previous annual record of $70.9 billion set in 2023.

Auto exports in November alone totaled $6.411 billion, up 13.7 percent from a year earlier, marking the second-highest November figure on record.

By region, exports rose across the board in November. Shipments to the European Union climbed 19.7 percent to $8.817 billion, while exports to Asia surged 38.3 percent to $7.377 billion.

Exports to the United States, which had accounted for roughly half of total shipments, declined 14.2 percent year on year to $27.489 billion, reflecting the impact of U.S. tariffs on automobiles.

Eco-friendly vehicle exports in November totaled 70,820 units, valued at $2.323 billion. Hybrid vehicles led the growth, accounting for 54,000 units (69 percent) and $1.55 billion (67 percent) of the total. Cumulative hybrid exports through November reached 503,533 units, up 26.8 percent from a year earlier.

Domestic auto sales in November fell 1.1 percent year on year to 146,241 units. Sales of domestically produced vehicles dropped 5.2 percent to 115,360 units, while imported car sales jumped 18.2 percent to 30,881 units.

Sales of eco-friendly vehicles at home totaled 70,820 units, accounting for 48.4 percent of all November sales. This included 51,094 hybrid vehicles, 18,166 electric vehicles, 988 plug-in hybrids, and 572 hydrogen-powered vehicles, marking the 21st consecutive month of year-on-year growth.

In particular, domestic sales of electric vehicles showed strong momentum. Cumulative EV sales through November surged 52.2 percent from a year earlier to 207,119 units, setting a new all-time high and surpassing the previous annual record of 158,000 units set in 2023.

Cumulative automobile production through November edged down 0.4 percent year on year to 3,739,675 units, though production is expected to exceed 4 million units for the third consecutive year if current trends continue.

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