Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) announced that Korea’s automobile exports fell 29.8 percent year-on-year to USD 3.85 billion in August 2026, amid fewer working days due to the summer holiday period and production disruptions caused by strikes at some automakers. Domestic sales and production also fell 20.8 percent and 35.8 percent, respectively, to 110,000 and 206,000 units.

By region, exports declined across all major markets, including North America, down 28.2 percent, and the European Union, down 16.8 percent, as well as Asia, down 41.9 percent, and the Middle East, down 23.6 percent. Export volume also fell 26.9 percent year-on-year to 146,000 units. Eco-friendly vehicle export volume also declined, but by a smaller 16.4 percent, to 58,000 units.

Domestic sales fell 20.8 percent year-on-year to 110,000 units. Eco-friendly vehicle sales reached 69,000 units, accounting for 62.6 percent of the total and showing that their share of the domestic market has continued to grow in recent months.
Automobile production fell 35.8 percent year-on-year to 206,000 units. The decline was attributed mainly to an average of four fewer working days as the industry’s summer holiday period shifted from late July in 2025 to early August in 2026, as well as production disruptions caused by strikes at some automakers.

With wage negotiations concluded at all major automakers, MOTIR expects the production shortfall caused by strikes to be made up during the remainder of the year, with exports and production gradually recovering. The ministry will maintain close communication with the industry and support exports and production, including by addressing on-the-ground difficulties.