South Korea's apparel imports slightly down to $4.7 bn in Jan–May 2025

Imports of knitted apparel and clothing accessories (Chapter 61) were valued at $2,034.252 million in the first five months of 2025, up 1.90 per cent from $1,996.204 million in the corresponding period of the previous year. Meanwhile, imports of non-knitted apparel and clothing accessories (Chapter 62) totalled $2,719.802 million, down 2.82 per cent from $2,798.776 million in January–May 2024.

In May 2025, South Korea’s apparel imports stood at $713.464 million, 5.68 per cent lower than the $756.971 million recorded in May 2024. On a month-on-month basis, apparel imports declined by 27.61 per cent compared to $985.626 million in April 2025.

The country imported knitted apparel and clothing accessories (Chapter 61) worth $314.679 million in May 2025, down 3.97 per cent from $327.431 million in May 2024. Imports of non-knitted apparel and clothing accessories (Chapter 62) were valued at $398.785 million in May 2025, 9.48 per cent lower than $429.519 million in May 2024. In April 2025, imports stood at $427.182 million for Chapter 61 and $558.443 million for Chapter 62.

South Korea generally exports fabrics and textile materials while importing readymade garments. Between January and May 2025, exports of man-made filaments, strips, and similar materials (Chapter 54) were valued at $761.626 million, down from $869.098 million in the same period of 2024. Exports of knitted or crocheted fabrics (Chapter 60) reached $638.739 million, easing from $747.255 million a year earlier.

In May 2025, the country exported man-made filaments, strips, and similar materials worth $173.313 million, and knitted or crocheted fabrics worth $136.895 million. In comparison, exports in May 2024 for these categories were valued at $184.661 million and $171.356 million, respectively. In April 2025, the export values were $173.313 million for Chapter 54 and $138.809 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)