BMW Was America’s Biggest Auto Exporter Again in 2025 — Thanks to Spartanburg

BMW is a German firm — not a press release that can ruffle any feathers. However in immediately’s more and more world economic system, the traces have by no means been much less clear. Living proof: BMW was the biggest automotive exporter by worth in the USA in 2025. It shouldn’t actually come as a shock. In any case, the model claimed the highest spot final yr, too, and for 9 consecutive years between 2022 and 2014. From 2014 via the top of final yr, the model’s export worth totaled greater than $113 billion.

BMW: High Auto Exporter in 2025

In line with knowledge launched by the U.S. Division of Commerce, BMW led automotive exports final yr. BMW’s Spartanburg, South Carolina plant exported nearly 200,000 SUVs, together with the BMW X3 and BMW X5. The entire worth hovered round $9 billion. These almost 200,000 automobiles made their technique to nearly 120 totally different nations. Contemplating whole meeting for BMW X automobiles was 412,799 — the third-highest whole within the plant’s 32-year historical past — meaning nearly half of all BMW X automobiles are destined for nations outdoors the USA.

Whereas an enormous accomplishment — and a few killer numbers — final yr marks a small downturn from the yr previous. In 2024, export numbers scraped 225,000 automobiles with an estimated export worth exceeding $10 billion. As an alternative of exporting round half of BMW X manufacturing, BMW claims it exported 63% of all BMW X fashions. The model is down relative to 2022, too. That yr, BMW exported over 227,000 automobiles at a price of round $9.6 billion. That yr additionally noticed a excessive level for whole manufacturing of BMW X fashions at 416,301. Since 2014, BMW exports account for 3 million automobiles whole. Primarily, BMWs make their approach from the U.S. by way of ports in Charleston, Brunswick, Jacksonville, Everglades, and Baltimore. Nevertheless, a handful — simply 14,000 final yr — BMWs are additionally exported by way of rail.

BMW Spartanburg Manufacturing, Trying Ahead

BMW manufactures BMW X fashions from the X3 to X7 at Spartanburg. The XM, too. The automaker has confirmed that a minimum of six electrical automobiles will probably be manufactured there by 2030, probably together with the next-generation BMW G65 X5. Extra instantly, the model claims EV production in Spartanburg ought to begin from later this yr. A $700-million funding in a Woodruff battery assembly plant alerts clear intent that the model just isn’t playing around with U.S.-based EV manufacturing. Regardless of the monetary dedication, exhausting particulars stay scarce. With X4 manufacturing formally ceased and the BMW X5 additionally closing out manufacturing someday this yr, BMW has its work reduce out for it if it needs to prime this yr’s export listing. We’ll simply have to attend and see which EVs get U.S. manufacturing because the yr unfolds.