Exports of Korea’s automobiles in the first half of this year dropped 13.5 percent on-year on lower demand in global emerging markets, data showed Thursday.

The nation exported 1.33 million cars in the first half of this year, down from 1.54 million units in the same period last year, according to data released by the Korea Automobile Manufacturer’s Association. The value of total exported cars was $19.01 billion, a 14.4 percent fall from last year’s $22.21 billion.

“Sluggish economic growth in emerging markets that led to reduced demand for luxury models is to blame for Korea’s weak automobile exports,” said a KAMA official.

According to foreign investment banks including Barclays, labor strikes at Hyundai Motor and other automakers also made the situation worse.