Home breadcru News breadcru Import/Exports breadcru South Korea's apparel imports rise slightly to $3 bn in Jan–Mar 2025

South Korea's apparel imports rise slightly to $3 bn in Jan–Mar 2025

06 May '25
3 min read
South Korea's apparel imports rise slightly to $3 bn in Jan–Mar 2025
Pic: Shutterstock

Insights

  • South Korea's apparel imports rose slightly to $3.054 billion in Q1 2025, with March imports jumping 6.32 per cent year-on-year and 20.67 per cent month-on-month.
  • Imports of knitted items grew, while non-knitted declined.
  • Apparel imports in 2024 reached $12.366 billion.
  • Textile exports such as man-made filaments and knitted fabrics fell in both Q1 2025 and full-year 2024 compared to previous periods.
South Korea’s apparel imports reached $3.054 billion in January–March 2025, marking a slight increase of 0.16 per cent compared to $3.048 billion in the corresponding period of 2024, according to the latest figures released by the Korea Customs Service.

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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