Imports of knitted apparel and clothing accessories (Chapter 61) were valued at $1,291.939 million in the first three months of 2025, up from $1,247.157 million in the same period the previous year. The import value of non-knitted apparel and clothing accessories (Chapter 62) stood at $1,762.183 million in January–March 2025, down from $1,801.561 million in the same period of 2024.
In March 2025, South Korea’s apparel imports totalled $1,109.594 million, marking a 6.32 per cent increase from $1,043.743 million in the same month of the previous year. On a month-on-month basis, apparel imports rose by 20.67 per cent compared to $919.709 million in February 2025.
The country imported knitted apparel and clothing accessories (Chapter 61) valued at $481.349 million in March 2025, compared to $442.452 million in March 2024. The import value of non-knitted apparel and clothing accessories (Chapter 62) was $628.245 million in March 2025, up from $601.291 million in March 2024. In February 2025, imports amounted to $382.160 million for Chapter 61 and $537.549 million for Chapter 62.
South Korea typically exports fabrics and textile materials while importing ready-made garments. In January–March 2025, the country exported man-made filaments, strips, and similar materials of man-made textiles (Chapter 54) worth $437.853 million, down from $502.458 million in January–March 2024. Shipments of knitted or crocheted fabrics (Chapter 60) reached $363.103 million in January–March 2025, easing from $414.885 million in the same period of 2024.
In March 2025, the country exported man-made filaments, strips, and similar materials of man-made textiles worth $148.649 million, and knitted or crocheted fabrics (Chapter 60) worth $127.340 million. In March 2024, these exports were valued at $170.478 million for Chapter 54 and $143.181 million for Chapter 60. In February 2025, the export values were $150.166 million and $124.701 million, respectively.
In 2024, South Korea’s apparel imports reached $12.366 billion, reflecting an increase of 3.12 per cent compared to $11.991 billion in 2023. Imports of knitted apparel and clothing accessories were valued at $5.083 billion, and non-knitted apparel and clothing accessories at $7.283 billion. That year, the country exported man-made filaments, strips, and similar materials of man-made textiles (Chapter 54) worth $1,987.300 million, slightly down from $2,107.283 million in 2023. Shipments of knitted or crocheted fabrics (Chapter 60) totalled $1,713.855 million in 2024, easing from $1,788.741 million in 2023.
ALCHEMPro News Desk (KUL)
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