The value of vehicles exported from South Korea in February 2025 surged by 18% year-on-year to US$6.07 billion, driven by strong overseas demand for hybrid vehicles, according to data released by the country’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
In terms of volumes, exports rose by 17% to 233,000 units, with shipments of hybrid vehicles surging 62% to 39,489 units – worth around US$980 million – while battery electric vehicle (BEV) volumes declined by 2% to 23,151 units.
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The Ministry pointed to robust demand in Asia, the European Union (EU) and the Middle East for last month’s strong growth. The value of shipments to markets in Asia jumped by 42% to US$641 million, while shipments to the Middle-East rose by 38% to US$480 million.
North America was by far the largest export market for South Korean-made vehicles, with the value rising by almost 15% to US$3.18 billion, with the US accounting for 85% of these – ahead of an expected hike in import tariffs in April. Vehicle shipments to the EU rose by 23% to US$806 million.
Government data shows vehicle sales in South Korea, including imports, rose by almost 15% to 133,000 units last month, with BEV sales surging fourfold after the government finalized its BEV subsidy plan for the year in January.
See also: South Korea report: domestic sales rise 13% in February
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