{
  "id": 7926106,
  "title": "Auto exports drop 29.8 pct in Aug. on fewer working days, strikes",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/auto-exports-drop-29-8-pct-in-aug-on-fewer-working-days-strikes",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-17T02:00:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yonhap News",
    "slug": "yonhap-news",
    "url": "https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260917001700320"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "South Korean auto exports plummeted by 29.8% in August compared to the previous year, according to data released by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources on Thursday. The decline was primarily attributed to a reduction in working days due to summer holidays and production slowdowns resulting from strikes at various car manufacturers.\n\nThe total value of automobile shipments dropped significantly from $5.49 billion in August 2022 to $3.85 billion in August 2023. This downward trend was particularly pronounced in exports to North America and the European Union, which fell by 28.2% and 16.8% respectively, reaching $1.84 billion and $659 million respectively. Exports to Asia and the Middle East also suffered a substantial drop of 41.9% and 23.6%, totaling $343 million and $234 million respectively.\n\nThe number of vehicles exported decreased by 26.9% to 146,000 units, while domestic sales of vehicles also decreased by 20.8% to 110,000 units. The number of locally produced vehicles fell by 35.8% to 206,000. Notably, six out of every ten vehicles sold in the domestic market were eco-friendly models, including electric and hybrid vehicles.\n\nThe ministry anticipates a recovery in vehicle exports and production later in the year, as major carmakers have recently reached wage agreements.",
  "summary": "SEOUL, Sept. 17 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's auto exports plunged 29.8 percent in A...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}