South Korea's apparel imports flat at $5.5 bn in Jan–June 2025

Imports of knitted apparel and clothing accessories (Chapter 61) were valued at $2,372.551 million in the first half of 2025, up 3.11 per cent from $2,300.937 million in the corresponding period of the previous year. Meanwhile, imports of non-knitted apparel and clothing accessories (Chapter 62) totalled $3,154.745 million, down 2.37 per cent from $3,231.328 million in January–June 2024.

In June 2025, South Korea’s apparel imports stood at $773.265 million, 4.88 per cent higher than the $737.285 million recorded in June 2024. On a month-on-month basis, apparel imports increased by 8.41 per cent compared to $713.406 million in May 2025.

The country imported knitted apparel and clothing accessories (Chapter 61) worth $338.308 million in June 2025, up 11.18 per cent from $308.732 million in June 2024. Imports of non-knitted apparel and clothing accessories (Chapter 62) were valued at $434.958 million in June 2025, slightly higher than the $432.552 million recorded in June 2024. In May 2025, imports stood at $314.617 million for Chapter 61 and $398.789 million for Chapter 62.

South Korea generally exports fabrics and textile materials while importing readymade garments. Between January and June 2025, exports of man-made filaments, strips, and similar materials (Chapter 54) were valued at $894.967 million, down 13.52 per cent from $1,035.200 million in the same period of 2024. Exports of knitted or crocheted fabrics (Chapter 60) reached $769.240 million, easing from $895.967 million a year earlier.

In June 2025, the country exported man-made filaments, strips, and similar materials worth $134.457 million, and knitted or crocheted fabrics worth $130.241 million. In comparison, exports in June 2024 for these categories were valued at $166.103 million and $147.754 million, respectively. In May 2025, the export values were $150.578 million for Chapter 54 and $137.136 million for Chapter 60.

In 2024, South Korea’s apparel imports reached $12.366 billion, marking a 3.12 per cent increase from $11.991 billion in 2023. Imports of knitted apparel and clothing accessories totalled $5.083 billion, while non-knitted apparel and clothing accessories amounted to $7.283 billion. That year, the country exported man-made filaments, strips, and similar materials (Chapter 54) worth $1,987.300 million, slightly down from $2,107.283 million in 2023. Exports of knitted or crocheted fabrics (Chapter 60) were valued at $1,713.855 million in 2024, compared to $1,788.741 million in 2023.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (KUL)