BMW Tops U.S. Exports

Data from the U.S. Department of Commerce revealed that the BMW Group was the largest automotive exporter by value in the U.S. in 2025. Its sole U.S. manufacturing plant is in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and last year had a total export value of nine billion dollars. 

“Plant Spartanburg is proud to be the largest automotive exporter by value in the United States, a distinction that underscores our commitment to both the state of South Carolina and the nation’s economic strength,” said Robert Engelhorn, president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing in Spartanburg. “Our exports play a crucial role in supporting a favourable balance of trade, which is essential for sustained economic growth.”

In 2025 over 400,000 BMW X models were assembled at the plant, which marks its third-highest production volume in its 32-year history. Vehicles assembled at Plant Spartanburg were mainly exported through the Port of Charleston as well as additional ports on the East coast. However, more than 14,000 BMWs were exported via rail. 

“Free trade and open markets enable growth and prosperity. Our plants – and, above all, the strong supplier networks in each region – benefit from this,” said Milan Nedeljković, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Production.

Germany and the U.S. are on shaky ground when it comes to trade and tariffs. In 2025 the U.S. raised import tariffs which has affected the automotive industry in Germany and other global export markets. However, automotive companies with established production in the U.S. could see advantages “through increased local value creation and benefit from planned U.S. corporate tax cuts,” according to KPMG, a German auditing and consulting firm.