US Auto Exports 2024-25: American Auto Export Data, US Car Exports by Country & Top Car Exporters
Explore US auto exports and American auto export data. Know 2024-25 trade trends, US car exports by country, top markets, and key automotive export stats.
In recent years, the United States has emerged as a major player in the global automotive industry, not only in terms of domestic production but also in auto exports. The US auto export market is set to witness significant growth in the coming years, with projections indicating a promising future for American car manufacturers. According to the US export data, the total value of US auto exports reached $59.2 billion in 2024, a decline of 6% from the previous year. The USA is the 6th largest car exporter in the world, as per the global trade data.
As per the USA auto export data & data on US car exports, the total value of US auto exports reached $13.82 billion in the first quarter of 2025. With $104 billion in exports and $309 billion in imports, the US automotive trade generated $414 billion in 2024, leaving a $205 billion trade deficit, as per the US automotive trade data. The biggest export destination of the US for exporting light vehicles was Canada, followed by Mexico. Let's delve into the American auto export data for 2024-25 and examine US car exports by country and the top car exporters in the nation.
Overview of US Auto Exports
The United States has a rich history of automotive manufacturing, with iconic brands such as Ford, General Motors, and Tesla leading the way in innovation and production. In recent years, these manufacturers have been actively exploring international markets to expand their reach and capitalize on the growing demand for American-made vehicles. According to recent data, US auto exports have been on the rise, with a significant increase in the number of cars exported to various countries around the world. The global automotive market continues to grow, and American car exports play a major role in supplying vehicles to regions worldwide. Strong demand has pushed us vehicle exports to expand across key markets, with manufacturers focusing on quality, technology, and reliability.
Many international buyers rely on car export America channels to source premium vehicles, while rising us automobile exports and automobile parts exporters, highlight the competitiveness of U.S. automakers. Among the most active trade routes is exporting vehicles to Canada from US, a process supported by streamlined regulations, strong bilateral agreements, and high consumer demand in the Canadian market.
The demand for American cars is driven by factors such as high quality, advanced technology, and brand reputation, making US auto exports a lucrative business for manufacturers. The American auto export data for 2024-25 paints a promising picture for the US automotive industry. Projections indicate a steady increase in the number of cars exported from the United States to countries in Europe, Asia, and other regions. American car manufacturers are focusing on expanding their global footprint and tapping into emerging markets with growing consumer demand.
US Auto Exports by Country: Top 10 US Car Export Destinations
US auto exports by country encompass a significant aspect of the automotive industry, with the top 10 US car export destinations playing a crucial role in the global market. These destinations hold strategic importance for US car manufacturers, contributing to the nation's export economy. According to the data on US car exports by country, US shipment data, and US auto export data for 2024-25, the top 10 US auto export destinations include:
1. Canada: $15.52 billion (26.2%)
Canada tops the list as the largest importer of US-made cars, accounting for a significant percentage of all US auto exports, as per the data on US car exports to Canada. With its proximity to the US and strong economic ties, Canada continues to be a key market for American automakers.
2. Germany: $7.93 billion (13.4%)
As one of the leading automotive markets in Europe, Germany has a strong demand for US vehicles, as per the data on US auto exports to Germany. American cars are known for their quality and performance, making them popular among German consumers.
3. China: $4.93 billion (8.3%)
Despite the trade tensions between the US and China, the Chinese market remains an important destination for American auto exports. With a growing middle class and an appetite for luxury vehicles, China offers great potential for US car manufacturers.
4. Mexico: $4.60 billion (7.8%)
Mexico has long been a key trade partner for the US automotive industry, with many US car companies having manufacturing plants south of the border. The proximity and strong trade agreements make Mexico a top destination for US auto exports.
5. United Arab Emirates: $4.10 billion (6.9%)
The United Arab Emirates has emerged as a major market for luxury vehicles, with a strong appetite for high-end American cars. The country's affluent population and growing economy make it an attractive destination for US auto exports.
6. South Korea: $2.11 billion (3.6%)
South Korea is another important market for US car exports, with American vehicles being well-received by Korean consumers. The demand for SUVs and electric vehicles in South Korea has further boosted US auto exports to the country.
7. Saudi Arabia: $1.76 billion (3%)
Saudi Arabia, known for its luxury vehicle market, is a significant importer of American cars. The country's strong purchasing power and appetite for high-end vehicles make it a lucrative market for US auto manufacturers.
8. Belgium: $1.68 billion (2.8%)
Belgium serves as a gateway to the European market, making it an important destination for US auto exports. With its strategic location and well-developed infrastructure, Belgium offers easy access to other European countries for American car manufacturers.
9. Australia: $1.24 billion (2.1%)
Australia is a key market for US auto exports, with American cars being popular among Australian consumers. The country's love for powerful pickup trucks and SUVs has contributed to the success of US car brands in the Australian market.
10. Georgia: $1.18 billion (2%)
Rounding out the top 10 US car export destinations is Georgia, a country that has seen a steady increase in US auto exports in recent years. With its strong economic growth and increasing demand for American cars, Georgia offers great potential for US auto manufacturers, as per the data on US auto exports to Georgia.
List of Top Auto Manufacturers & Car Exporters in the US: US Car Exporters Database
The US Car Exporters Database provides comprehensive information on the leading companies in the automotive industry in the United States. This invaluable resource offers detailed insights into the top auto manufacturers and car exporters, making it a must-have for anyone seeking to stay updated on the dynamic landscape of the US automotive market.
Despite a slight drop in overall export value, U.S. plants, especially those operated by global automakers like BMW and Mercedes, continued to push strong international shipments. Below is a streamlined table capturing the key players in U.S. auto exports for 2024. The top 10 US auto exporters or Car exporters in the US, as per the US car exporter data and US suppliers list for 2024-25, include:
|
Rank |
Company |
Approx. Export Value 2024 |
Top Export Markets |
Key Models Exported |
|
1 |
BMW Group |
$10 billion |
Germany, China, UK |
X3, X5, X6, X7, XM |
|
2 |
Ford Motor Company |
$7 billion |
Europe, Middle East |
F-150, Mustang, Ranger |
|
3 |
General Motors |
$5.5 billion |
Latin America, Middle East |
Silverado, Tahoe, Equinox |
|
4 |
Stellantis |
$4 billion |
EU, Latin America |
Grand Cherokee, Ram 1500, Wrangler |
|
5 |
Tesla, Inc. |
$3.5 billion |
Europe, Canada, China |
Model 3, Model Y |
|
6 |
Toyota |
$3 billion |
Asia, Africa |
RAV4, Camry, Corolla |
|
7 |
Mercedes-Benz |
$2.5 billion |
Europe, Middle East |
GLE, GLS, EQE SUV |
|
8 |
Hyundai |
$1.5 billion |
Middle East, EU |
Santa Fe, Tucson |
|
9 |
Kia |
$1.2 billion |
Asia, Latin America |
Telluride, Sportage |
|
10 |
Nissan |
$1 billion |
Latin America, Asia |
Rogue, Altima, Pathfinder |
Brief Commentary
-
BMW Spartanburg holds a dominant lead in export value, thanks to its premium SUV lineup and strong global demand.
-
U.S. OEMs like Ford and GM follow, with pickups, SUVs, and performance cars, key in regions like the Middle East and Latin America.
-
Asian and European brands with U.S. plants (Toyota, Hyundai, Mercedes, Nissan) massively contribute to exports, blending domestic production with global shipping.
-
Tesla carves out its export niche with electric vehicle shipments, expanding rapidly to Europe and Asia.
US Auto Exports in the Last 10 Years: Historical US Car Export Data
|
Year of Exports |
US Car Export Value ($) |
|
2014 |
$61.67 billion |
|
2015 |
$55.36 billion |
|
2016 |
$53.83 billion |
|
2017 |
$53.56 billion |
|
2018 |
$51.42 billion |
|
2019 |
$56.45 billion |
|
2020 |
$45.96 billion |
|
2021 |
$54.93 billion |
|
2022 |
$57.85 billion |
|
2023 |
$63.03 billion |
|
2024 |
$59.19 billion |
|
2025 quarter 1 |
$13.82 billion |
Overview: US Auto Exports in 2024
-
Total export value: US auto exports amounted to $59.2 billion in 2024, marking a 6.9% decline from $63.6 billion in 2023.
-
Volume of exported vehicles: Monthly figures peaked at approximately 135,000 units in March 2025.
-
Trade imbalance: Imports soared to $216.8 billion, expanding the car trade deficit to –$157.6 billion in 2024.
Leading US Car Exporter by State (2024)
South Carolina, Alabama, and Michigan together accounted for nearly 45% of the US auto export value.
|
Rank |
State |
Export Value (USD billion) |
YOY Change |
|
1 |
South Carolina |
$10.9 billion |
+6.5% |
|
2 |
Alabama |
$10.5 billion |
–6.8% |
|
3 |
Michigan |
$5.3 billion |
–12.8% |
|
4 |
Texas |
$4.2 billion |
–18.4% |
|
5 |
California |
$3.7 billion |
–25.5% |
Major US Auto Exporters: Manufacturers & Hubs
-
BMW Spartanburg (SC) leads the US auto export value. In 2024, it shipped 225,000 vehicles worth $10.1 billion, making it the single largest auto exporter by value.
-
Domestic OEMs (General Motors, Ford, Stellantis, Tesla) are behind BMW in total export value.
Trade & Tariff Landscape Updates (2024–25)
-
Tariff turmoil: Rising import tariffs, most recently, a 25% levy on cars and parts from Canada and Mexico, could impose up to an estimated $4,711 increase per vehicle.
-
USMCA allies initially excluded, but tariffs expanded by April 3, 2025.
-
Industry pushback: US automakers warn that tariffs threaten competitiveness, could cut sales up to –20%, and disrupt integrated supply chains.
Implications & Outlook for 2025
-
Declining export value: US exports declined in 2024, largely due to global competition and shifting demand.
-
Tariff instability: Adds cost pressure domestically and abroad, complicating the US export stance.
-
Reshoring & incentives: With incentives for domestic EV and ICE manufacturing, the policy could influence future export trends.
-
Electric vehicle push: Spartanburg is gearing up for EV production starting in 2026. This signals a potential future shift in export dynamics.
Actionable Insights
-
US OEMs should hedge against tariff risk by accelerating EV-capable production and aligning with policy incentives.
-
States like SC and AL should double down on logistics and trade infrastructure to remain competitive.
-
Tariff diplomacy: Export stability relies on resolving trade disputes with Canada, Mexico, and the EU before the July 2025 deadlines.
-
EV export readiness: Investment in Spartanburg's EV line can capture growing global demand.
US Car Exports to China Declined in May
U.S. auto exports to China saw a steep drop in May, reflecting the ongoing strain in trade relations between the two economic superpowers. Amid heightened tensions, automakers are pulling back on shipments, anticipating policy clarity. Data from the China Automobile Dealers Association shows that imports of U.S.-made light vehicles fell by 68%, reaching just 3,130 units last month. For the year so far, that figure is down 48%. In 2024, US car imports from China fell 13% to 109,356 units, making it the third straight year of declines. Foreign brands like GM, Ford, and Tesla are losing ground as Chinese manufacturers, especially EV leaders like BYD, tighten their grip on the domestic market.
Amid these headwinds and uncertainty over tariffs, some manufacturers are scaling back. GM suspended all U.S. car exports to China in May while reviewing the future of its import-focused Durant Guild division. Tesla, meanwhile, ceased orders for U.S.-built models in April, prioritizing cars made at its Shanghai Gigafactory instead.
A 90-day pause on new tariffs took effect on May 14, part of a temporary agreement between Washington and Beijing to ease tensions. In June 2025, the US-China trade deal was finalized. Under the terms, U.S.-built gasoline vehicles with engines larger than 2.5 liters still face a 25% import duty, while smaller engine vehicles are subject to a 15% tariff.
Summary: US Auto Export Snapshot 2024-25
|
Metric |
Value |
YOY Change |
|
Export Value (USD billion) |
$59.2 billion |
–6.9% |
|
Highest Monthly Volume |
135,200 units |
Mar 2025 |
|
Top Export States |
SC, AL, MI |
— |
|
Leading Export Plant |
BMW Spartanburg |
$10.1 b export |
|
US Global Rank in Car Export |
6th |
–6.1% |
|
US Trade Deficit (Cars) |
–157.6 billion |
+9.2% deficit |
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In conclusion, US auto exports are set to rise in 2024-25, with American car manufacturers capitalizing on growing global demand for high-quality vehicles. By analyzing American auto export data, we can gain valuable insights into the trends shaping the future of the US automotive industry and the key players driving growth in the market.
In 2024, US auto exports (mostly from plants in SC, AL, and MI) generated $59.2 billion, while the country remains 6th globally, it logged declines due to global competition and trade shocks. BMW’s Spartanburg plant is the national benchmark with $10.1 billion in exports. Yet volatile tariff policies threaten to knock domestic competitiveness and muddle supply chains. As the US gears toward EVs and reshoring, the landscape for exports will hinge on stabilizing trade policy and scaling electric vehicle shipments by 2026.
We hope that you liked our interactive data-driven blog on US Auto Exports 2024-25. If you want to get more insights into the latest US import-export data or search live data on US car exports by country, visit USImportdata. Contact us at info@tradeimex.in to get the latest and customized database report on US car exports, along with a verified list of the top auto & car exporters in the US.
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