South Korea’s automobile export value fell 29.8% year-on-year to $3.85 billion in August 2026, while export volume declined 26.9% to 146,499 vehicles, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. Production dropped 35.8% to 206,064 units and domestic sales fell 20.8% to 109,920 units as the industry’s summer vacation period shifted into August, reducing average working days by four, while strikes added further disruptions. Hyundai Motor was particularly affected, with production down 54.8% to 69,320 units and exports down 48.9% to 47,014 vehicles. Export value declined across North America, the European Union, Asia and the Middle East. Environmentally friendly vehicles accounted for 62.6% of domestic sales, or about 69,000 units, while their export volume fell 16.4% to 58,126 units. The ministry expects production and exports to recover in the second half after wage negotiations at major automakers concluded.