SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA / RankWire.AI / – In July 2026, South Korea’s vehicle exports increased by 7.0% compared to the previous year, reaching a total of US$6.24 billion. This marked the highest export figure ever recorded for the month of July. According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, exports exceeded the former July record of US$5.90 billion set in 2023. The exports for July 2025 totaled US$5.83 billion. Additionally, domestic vehicle sales grew slightly by 0.5% to 139,000 units, while manufacturing output increased by 11.3% to 352,000 vehicles.
During the same period, eco-friendly vehicle exports were a major driving force behind South Korea’s automotive export growth. Their export value saw an increase of 25.5% year on year to US$2.59 billion. Electric and hydrogen vehicle shipments climbed by 31.9% to US$940 million, while hybrid vehicle exports grew by 22.2% to US$1.65 billion. Conversely, exports of internal combustion engine vehicles declined by 3.1%, totaling US$3.65 billion. Overall, eco-friendly models made up approximately 41.5% of the nation’s total vehicle export value for July.
North America continued to be the leading regional market, with exports rising by 18.0% to US$3.25 billion. Shipments to the European Union increased by 23.5%, reaching US$880 million. Exports to the Middle East also saw a rise of 12.7%, amounting to US$430 million—its first year-on-year growth in eight months. Meanwhile, exports to Asia dropped by 27.1%, and shipments to Central and South America declined by 7.4%. The regional data highlights the strongest growth in North America, the EU, and the Middle East.
Eco-friendly vehicle exports drive July’s record figures
The Ministry attributed the July export surge to an increased number of working days and ongoing international demand for eco-friendly vehicles and SUVs. Automakers adjusted their summer vacation schedules from July in 2025 to August in 2026, which extended the working days within the month. This calendar shift also contributed to higher production levels, which increased by 11.3% year on year to 352,000 vehicles. In June, production was slightly higher at 394,000 units, reflecting an 11.6% increase from the previous year.
South Korea’s domestic auto market experienced a more modest growth, with vehicle sales rising by 0.5% from July 2025 to 139,000 units. Eco-friendly vehicles represented about 60% of this market, with 84,000 units sold domestically. Electric vehicle sales alone jumped by 47.5%, totaling 36,000 units. Consequently, about three out of every five vehicles sold domestically in July were eco-friendly models. Despite these increases, total domestic vehicle sales remained close to those of the same month a year prior.
North America and Europe report strong export growths
The robust automobile exports contributed to a broader surge in South Korea’s overall goods shipments during July, which reached US$98.89 billion—the second-highest monthly total on record and a 62.8% increase from a year earlier. Automobiles contributed US$6.24 billion to this figure. Exports of semiconductors reached US$41.01 billion, while shipments of ships totaled US$3.29 billion. Out of the country’s top 20 export categories, 19 experienced year-on-year growth in July, with automobiles among them.
This data was released as government and industry representatives convened on Aug. 13 to examine the conditions across South Korea’s automotive sector. Participants included Hyundai Motor, GM Korea, KG Mobility, Renault Korea, along with industry and research groups. Discussions focused on July’s auto market trends, the transition toward future vehicle technologies, and collaboration with parts suppliers. The official July figures reflect concurrent year-on-year gains in vehicle exports, domestic sales, and manufacturing, with eco-friendly models playing a significant role in both export value and domestic demand.