Seoul: South Korea's auto exports saw a significant increase of 13.7 percent in November compared to the previous year, largely driven by strong shipments of eco-friendly and hybrid models. The combined value of automobile exports reached $6.4 billion during the month, benefiting from base effects after a decline in outbound shipments last year caused by snow-related shipping disruptions.

According to Yonhap News Agency, exports of eco-friendly vehicles rose sharply by 23.4 percent, totaling 78,436 units. This marks the 11th consecutive month of year-on-year gains for eco-friendly car exports. Within this category, hybrid automobile exports experienced an impressive surge of 40 percent, with 54,296 units exported in November.

The data also highlighted a positive shift in export destinations. Exports to the United States increased by 5.1 percent year-on-year to $2.69 billion, reversing eight months of declines caused by Washington's new tariff policy. This improvement followed an agreement between Seoul and Washington to lower tariffs on automobiles to 15 percent from the previously imposed 25 percent in April.

Additionally, exports to the European Union rose by 3.4 percent to $820 million, while exports to Asian countries advanced by 32.1 percent to $730 million, showcasing a broad-based growth in demand for South Korean automobiles across different regions.