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South Korea tilts sourcing towards China as apparel imports shift

Total apparel imports reached $**.*** billion during the period, slightly below $**.*** billion a year earlier, but with a notable shift in sourcing. China strengthened its position as South Korea’s largest supplier, with shipments rising *.** per cent to $*.*** billion, lifting its share to **.** per cent from **.** per cent in January–November ****, according to *fashion.com/market-intelligence/texpro-textile-and-apparel/" target="_blank">sourcing intelligence tool TexPro.

The increase suggests Korean buyers are leaning more heavily on China for its cost competitiveness, speed and scale amid a cautious consumer environment.