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South Korea's apparel imports ease 2% to $11.2 bn in Jan-Nov

01 Jan '26
3 min read
South Korea's apparel imports ease 2% to $11.2 bn in Jan-Nov
Pic: Shutterstock.com

Insights

  • South Korea's apparel imports declined **.*% to $**.*** billion in January–November, as softer consumer spending weighed on fashion-led categories.
  • Knitted apparel remained resilient due to steady demand for basics and athleisure, while non-knitted imports fell on cautious buying.
  • Upstream textile exports also declined, reflecting weaker global demand and intensifying competition from Asia.

Imports of knitted apparel and clothing accessories (Chapter **) were valued at $*.*** billion in the first eleven months of ****, marginally higher than $*.*** billion a year earlier. Knitted categories remained relatively resilient, supported by steady year-round demand for basics and athleisure, even as overall apparel spending moderated amid cautious consumer sentiment.

By contrast, imports of non-knitted apparel and clothing accessories (Chapter **) totalled $*.*** billion, down *.** per cent from $*.*** billion in January–November ****. These segments, which are more dependent on fashion-driven seasonal collections, faced sharper pullbacks as retailers trimmed orders to manage slower sell-through, higher inventories and increased promotional activity.

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