Auto exports down nearly 6 pct on auto parts supply disruptions

The combined value of automobile exports came to US$5.83 billion last month, down 5.9 percent from the same month last year, according to data from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources.

Outbound shipments to North America, Latin America and the European Union fell 1 percent, 3.6 percent and 6.5 percent, respectively. Those to the Middle East dropped 4.2 percent.

Exports to Oceania and Africa, on the other hand, shot up 20.1 percent and 16.1 percent, respectively.

The ministry said exports of eco-friendly automobiles maintained solid growth, expanding 9.9 percent on-year to $2.4 billion.

Domestically, 127,315 vehicles were sold last month, down 10.3 percent. Sales of locally manufactured cars fell 14.2 percent to 96,240, while those of imported cars rose 4.8 percent to 31,075.

The data also showed that domestic automobile production contracted 8.2 percent on-year to 329,559 units.

Production at Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp. decreased 12 percent and 2 percent, respectively.

Production at GM Korea Co., the South Korean unit of General Motors Co.; KG Mobility Corp.; and Renault Korea Motors Co. fell 6.6 percent, 8 percent and 46.5 percent on-year, respectively, in May.

Automobiles for export are parked at a port in the southeastern industrial city of Ulsan, in this file photo taken May 12, 2026. (Yonhap)