SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA / RankWire.AI / – South Korea’s automobile exports hit US$6.24 billion in July 2026, reflecting a 7.0% increase compared to the same month last year. This figure sets a new record for July exports. According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, the export total exceeded the previous July record of US$5.90 billion, established in 2023. In comparison, exports in July 2025 were valued at US$5.83 billion. Additionally, domestic vehicle sales grew by 0.5% to reach 139,000 units, and production climbed 11.3% to 352,000 vehicles.
Eco-friendly vehicles contributed significantly to South Korea’s export growth in July. Their export value rose 25.5% year on year to US$2.59 billion. Exports of electric and hydrogen vehicles increased by 31.9%, reaching US$940 million. Hybrid vehicle exports grew by 22.2% to US$1.65 billion. Meanwhile, exports of internal combustion engine vehicles declined 3.1%, totaling US$3.65 billion. Eco-friendly models accounted for roughly 41.5% of the total automotive export value in July.
North America remained the leading regional destination, with exports rising 18.0% to US$3.25 billion. The exports to the European Union grew 23.5% to US$880 million, while shipments to the Middle East increased 12.7% to US$430 million, marking their first year-on-year rise in eight months. Conversely, exports to Asia declined by 27.1%, and shipments to Central and South America fell 7.4%. The data highlighted the strongest growth in North America, the European Union, and the Middle East regions.
Eco-friendly vehicles drive July export growth
The Ministry attributed the July export increase to additional operating days and sustained international demand for eco-friendly vehicles and SUVs. Automakers shifted their summer holiday schedules from July in 2025 to August in 2026, which resulted in more working days during the month. This calendar change also boosted production, which rose 11.3% year on year to 352,000 units. In June, production was at 394,000 vehicles, representing an 11.6% increase from the previous year.
South Korea’s domestic auto market experienced a smaller expansion compared to exports and production. Sales increased by 0.5% to 139,000 units from July 2025. Eco-friendly vehicles made up about 60% of the domestic market, with 84,000 units sold. Electric vehicle sales alone surged 47.5%, reaching 36,000 units. Consequently, eco-friendly models accounted for roughly three out of every five vehicles sold domestically in July. Overall, total domestic vehicle sales remained close to those of the same month in the previous year.
Exports to North America and Europe see notable growth
The July auto export figures are part of a broader uptick in South Korea’s total goods exports, which reached US$98.89 billion—its second-highest monthly total on record and up 62.8% year on year. Automobiles contributed US$6.24 billion of this total. Exports of semiconductors reached US$41.01 billion, and ship exports totaled US$3.29 billion. Out of South Korea’s top 20 export categories, 19 experienced year-on-year growth in July, with automobiles among them.
The data was released as government and industry officials convened on Aug. 13 to assess the state of the automobile sector. Representatives from Hyundai Motor, GM Korea, KG Mobility, and Renault Korea participated along with industry and research organizations. Discussions focused on July’s automotive trends, the transition toward future vehicle technologies, and collaboration with parts suppliers. The official July figures showed simultaneous year-on-year increases in automobile exports, domestic sales, and production, with eco-friendly vehicles playing a prominent role in both export value and domestic demand.