Car Export from the USA to South America — A Rising Market in 2025

In 2025, South America has emerged as one of the fastest-growing destinations for U.S. vehicle exports, driven by increasing demand for SUVs, pickup trucks, and American-made electric vehicles (EVs).
With new trade routes, lower tariffs, and expanding port infrastructure, the region now represents a major opportunity for U.S. exporters.
Let’s explore why car export from the USA to South America is booming — and what logistics companies like All Cargo Export are doing to make the process faster, safer, and more efficient.
U.S. Auto Exports to South America — The 2025 Outlook
According to the U.S. Census Bureau and International Trade Administration, vehicle exports from the United States to South America grew by over 9.2% in 2024, and the momentum continues in 2025.
Key Statistics:
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Total U.S. vehicle exports to South America reached $6.4 billion in 2024.
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Top destinations include Chile, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Argentina.
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SUVs and pickup trucks account for over 58% of shipments.
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Electric vehicle (EV) exports increased 14% year-over-year, led by Tesla and Ford.
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The average transit time from Savannah to major South American ports is 16–25 days, depending on the route.
These numbers show a clear trend — South America is becoming a preferred destination for U.S. vehicle exporters, particularly in the mid-range and utility vehicle categories.
Port |
Key Destinations |
Transit Time |
Main Cargo |
---|---|---|---|
Savannah, GA |
Brazil, Chile, Peru |
18–22 days |
Containers, SUVs, trucks |
Houston, TX |
Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador |
15–20 days |
Trucks, machinery |
Baltimore, MD |
Argentina, Uruguay |
22–26 days |
Ro/Ro vehicles |
Jacksonville, FL |
Caribbean & northern South America |
10–14 days |
Cars, boats, small machinery |
Among these, the Port of Savannah has grown the fastest — thanks to deep-water access, efficient customs handling, and proximity to major U.S. auto hubs.
What Vehicles Are Most Commonly Exported
The types of vehicles being shipped from the USA to South America reflect both affordability and performance priorities:
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???? SUVs: Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Chevrolet Tahoe, Jeep Grand Cherokee
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???? Pickup Trucks: Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, Toyota Tacoma
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⚡ EVs: Tesla Model 3, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Rivian R1T
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???? Used Cars: Mid-range sedans from Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan
Used and certified pre-owned cars remain highly popular due to lower import duties and ease of maintenance in South American markets
Why South America Is a Rising Market for U.S. Exporters
1. Expanding Middle-Class Demand
With economies stabilizing post-pandemic, vehicle ownership is increasing — especially in Chile, Brazil, and Colombia.
2. Trade Agreements and Lower Tariffs
Many South American countries now have favorable trade policies for U.S. imports, reducing customs duties and allowing faster clearance.
3. Limited Local Supply
High domestic car prices and limited model availability drive import demand for American cars.
4. EV Adoption
Governments in Brazil and Chile offer tax incentives for electric and hybrid vehicles, boosting EV import rates from the U.S.
5. Port and Infrastructure Growth
Major ports like Santos (Brazil) and Callao (Peru) have expanded facilities to handle more containers and Ro/Ro shipments.
All Cargo Export — Safe, Transparent, Professional
At All Cargo Export, we specialize in vehicle, machinery, and boat shipping worldwide.
Here’s what makes us different:
✅ Located just 10 minutes from the Port of Savannah
✅ Full photo documentation for every shipment
✅ Modern security and tracking systems
✅ 20+ years of global logistics experience
✅ Customized container solutions for South America routes
We make international car export safe, transparent, and simple.