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Ministry of Trade, industry and Resources PRESS CENTER Press Releases

Press Releases

Automobile Exports Fall 5.5%, Production Rises 3.7% in September 2026

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) announced that Korea’s automobile export value fell 5.5 percent year-on-year to USD 6.05 billion in September 2026, while export volume rose 4.1 percent to 237,000 units. Domestic sales fell 14.3 percent to 135,000 units, while production rose 3.7 percent to 347,000 units.


By region, exports rose in key markets: North America, up 9.2 percent to USD 3.07 billion, and the European Union, up 15.3 percent to USD 1.11 billion. However, exports declined in markets including Asia, down 60.0 percent to USD 330 million, and the Middle East, down 7.1 percent to USD 350 million, bringing total exports down 5.5 percent year-on-year to USD 6.05 billion. The decline was attributed to factors including lower used car exports amid the war in the Middle East and tighter regulations in major countries, despite a 4.1 percent year-on-year increase in new vehicle export volume. Meanwhile, eco-friendly vehicle export value rose 5.9 percent year-on-year to USD 2.89 billion, supported by increased exports of electric and hybrid vehicles.


Domestic sales fell 14.3 percent year-on-year to 135,000 units in September. The decline appears to reflect an average of three fewer business days due to the shift of the Chuseok holiday from October in 2025 to September in 2026, deferred purchases in anticipation of new models, and slower electric vehicle sales as subsidy funds were depleted. Eco-friendly vehicle sales reached 80,000 units, accounting for approximately 59 percent of total domestic sales and maintaining a high share of the market.


Automobile production rose 3.7 percent year-on-year to 347,000 units. The increase was supported by major automakers making up production shortfalls after concluding wage negotiations, as well as a base effect from strikes at some automakers a year earlier.


With global competition recently intensifying as Chinese automakers expand into overseas markets, MOTIR plans to maintain close communication with the automobile industry and actively support its continued growth.