BMW Remains the Largest U.S. Automotive Exporter by Value for 10th Consecutive Year

For the tenth consecutive year, BMW has cemented its position as the leading U.S. automotive exporter by value, which speaks volumes about the German company’s unwavering commitment to American manufacturing. 

At the heart of this achievement is the company’s sprawling Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, a facility that has transformed into a powerhouse of global production. 

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Since its opening in 1994, the Spartanburg plant has become the backbone of BMW’s North American operations, producing the brand’s most popular SUVs, including the X3, X5, and X7. In 2023 alone, BMW exported nearly 70% of its U.S.-built vehicles, with shipments reaching over 120 countries. 

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The plant’s success underscores the company’s deep-rooted investment in American industry, employing more than 11,000 workers and supporting thousands more through suppliers and logistics networks. 

BMW’s dominance in U.S. exports is more than just a corporate milestone—it reflects the evolving automotive landscape. While competitors shift strategies, BMW continues to leverage American production to fuel global demand. 

With billions invested in innovation and sustainability at Spartanburg, the German automaker’s influence on the U.S. economy remains profound. The question now is not whether BMW can sustain this streak, but how far it can extend its lead. 

BMW’s Export Numbers and Economic Impact

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In 2024, BMW Manufacturing’s Spartanburg plant reinforced its status as the United States’ premier automotive exporter by value, dispatching nearly 225,000 Sports Activity Vehicles and Coupes valued at over $10 billion. 

This achievement underscores a decade-long trend, with the facility exporting more than 2.7 million vehicles since 2014, accounting for approximately 63% of its total production and generating an export value exceeding $104 billion. 

The Port of Charleston, South Carolina, serves as the primary gateway for these exports, complemented by ports in Brunswick, GA; Jacksonville, FL; Everglades, FL; and Baltimore, MD. 

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In 2024, nearly 15,000 BMWs were also exported via rail. The top international markets for Spartanburg-produced BMWs include Germany, South Korea, China, Canada, and Great Britain. 

BMW’s commitment to U.S. manufacturing has significantly bolstered the national economy. The Spartanburg plant, operational since 1994, stands as BMW’s largest global facility, employing over 11,000 individuals. 

In 2024, the plant produced 396,117 vehicles, with more than 57,000 being plug-in hybrid electric models, constituting over 14% of its total output. 

This production not only meets domestic demand—nearly 50% of all BMWs sold in the U.S. are assembled in Spartanburg—but also supports a vast network of suppliers and logistics partners, amplifying BMW’s economic footprint across the nation. 

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BMW Spartanburg: The Driving Force Behind Exports

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BMW’s Spartanburg plant is the company’s largest global manufacturing facility, producing nearly 400,000 vehicles annually. The plant specializes in the X-series SUVs, including the X3, X4, X5, X6, and X7, along with high-performance M models. 

In 2023 and 2024, over 225,000 of these SUVs were exported to more than 120 countries, with Germany, South Korea, China, Canada, and the UK being key markets. To support future growth and the transition to electrification, BMW has invested over $12 billion in Spartanburg since 1994. 

Recent commitments include a $1.7 billion investment for EV production, with $700 million allocated to a new high-voltage battery assembly plant in nearby Woodruff, SC. 

The plant will soon produce at least six fully electric models, reinforcing BMW’s long-term presence in the U.S. and ensuring Spartanburg remains a global hub for both traditional and next-generation vehicle production. 

BMW vs. Other U.S. Auto Exporters

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BMW's Spartanburg plant has consistently positioned the company as the leading U.S. automotive exporter by value. In 2021, the facility exported 257,876 vehicles valued at over $10.1 billion. This trend continued in 2022, with 227,029 vehicles exported, totaling nearly $9.6 billion. 

In contrast, while Tesla has made significant strides in global sales, particularly with the Model Y becoming the best-selling vehicle worldwide in 2023 with over 1.2 million units sold, its export figures from the U.S. are not as prominently reported. 

Ford and General Motors primarily focus on the domestic market, with export values not matching BMW's. 

BMW's dominance in export value can be attributed to its strategic focus on producing high-demand, premium SUVs at the Spartanburg plant. The X-series models, known for their luxury and performance, command higher price points, elevating the total export value. 

Additionally, BMW's commitment to the U.S. market, with continuous investments in the Spartanburg facility, ensures a robust production capacity tailored for both domestic and international markets. This strategic approach, combined with a diversified global market presence, solidifies BMW's leading position in U.S. automotive exports by value.