BMW Leads US in Vehicle Exports by Value

Spartanburg plant ships $9 billion worth of SUVs globally

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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According to data from the US Department of Commerce, BMW's manufacturing plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina exported around 200,000 vehicles worth approximately $9 billion in 2025, making it the largest automotive exporter by value in the United States. The plant primarily produces SUV models like the X3, X5, X7, and their coupe variants for global markets.

Why it matters

BMW's ability to export such a high value of vehicles from its US plant underscores the company's commitment to American manufacturing and its importance to the country's trade balance. The Spartanburg facility is BMW's largest plant worldwide, highlighting the global reach of vehicles produced in the US.

The details

The Spartanburg plant, which opened in 1994, encompasses 10 million square feet and employs 12,000 people. It has the capacity to produce 1,500 vehicles per day across two assembly halls, three body shops, a press shop, and two paint shops. In 2025, the plant built 412,799 SUVs, the third-highest annual production in its history. While BMW doesn't provide a breakdown, the X3 and X5 are likely the top exported models based on their strong US sales.

  • BMW has been building cars in the US since 1994.
  • In 2025, BMW exported around 200,000 vehicles worth $9 billion from its Spartanburg plant.

The players

BMW Manufacturing

The company's manufacturing division that operates the Spartanburg plant, the largest BMW production facility in the world.

Dr. Robert Engelhorn

The president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing.

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What they’re saying

“BMW Manufacturing 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. Our exports play a crucial role in supporting a favorable balance of trade, which is essential for sustained economic growth.”

— Dr. Robert Engelhorn, President and CEO of BMW Manufacturing (carbuzz.com)

The takeaway

BMW's Spartanburg plant, its largest globally, has solidified the company's position as the top automotive exporter by value from the United States, highlighting the importance of American manufacturing to BMW's global operations and the US trade balance.