South Korea's March car output rises, exports dip

Market: Battery materials, Metals
15/04/25

South Korea's automotive output and domestic sales rose in March but exports dipped. The country has agreed to offer a wide range of support measures to offset the impact of the US' sweeping tariffs on its auto industry.

The country's auto output in March edged up by 1.5pc on the year to almost 371,000 units, according to South Korea's trade and industry ministry (Motie). Domestic sales rose by 2.4pc on the year to around 149,500 units. Exports in March fell by 2.4pc on the year to almost 241,000 units, with auto export revenue at $6.24bn.

The country earlier this month unveiled planned emergency measures to support its automobile industry, in response to the potentially lower export volumes given the US tariffs. The country will cut the special consumption tax on new car purchases, and push its public sector, public institutions and local governments to buy "business vehicles" within the first half of 2025.

Domestic eco-friendly vehicle sales rose by 14pc on the year to almost 70,000 units while exports rose by 5.8pc to almost 69,000 units. Eco-friendly vehicles in South Korea refer to hybrids, battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and hydrogen-fuelled vehicles.

Hybrid domestic sales rose by 23pc on the year to about 49,500 units, while domestic BEV sales dipped by 7.5pc to around 18,700 units after rising sharply on the year in February. Hybrid exports were also up by almost 25pc to almost 42,000 units, while BEV exports fell sharply by 25pc on the year to about 20,800 units.

By Joseph Ho

South Korea's car exports in 2025 (units)

South Korea's domestic car sales in 2025 (units)

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22/04/25

India imposes 12pc safeguard duty on flat steel imports

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