Seoul: South Korea's exports of automobiles reached an all-time high of US$72 billion last year thanks to the strong overseas demand for eco-friendly vehicles and used cars, government data showed Thursday. The figure marked a 1.7 percent increase from $70.8 billion in exports in 2024, and a 1.55 percent rise from the previous high of $70.9 billion tallied in 2023.

According to Yonhap News Agency, it also marked the third consecutive year of the country's annual car exports surpassing the $70 billion threshold. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources reported that the domestic automobile industry faced unfavorable export conditions last year, notably with U.S. tariff measures, but it achieved the milestone through stronger demand for Korean-made eco-friendly cars and used vehicles.

Last year, exports of eco-friendly vehicles, including electric, hydrogen, and hybrid cars, grew 11 percent on-year to $25.8 billion. In particular, outbound shipments of hybrid cars surged 30 percent to a record $14.8 billion. Exports of used cars spiked 75.1 percent to an all-time high of $8.87 billion due to the brand recognition of Korean cars and the weakness of the local currency.

Domestic production of automobiles amounted to 4.1 million units in 2025, topping 4 million units for the third consecutive year. Domestic car sales increased 3.3 percent on-year to 1.68 million units, comprising 1.36 million Korean brand cars and 320,000 imported cars. Sales of eco-friendly cars advanced 25 percent to 813,000 units, accounting for nearly half of the total domestic sales.

The ministry stated that the government will work to maintain the strong export momentum and boost the fundamental competitiveness of the automobile industry in the future mobility sector this year amid persisting global trade uncertainties.