South Korea's apparel imports slip 4% to $1.9 bn in Jan–Feb 2025

Imports of knitted apparel and clothing accessories (Chapter 61) were valued at $810.567 million in the first two months of 2025, compared to $804.703 million in the same period of the previous year. The import value of non-knitted apparel and clothing accessories (Chapter 62) stood at $1,133.900 million in January–February 2025, down from $1,200.270 million in the same period of 2024.

In February 2025, South Korea’s apparel imports totalled $919.896 million, marking a 2.56 per cent increase from $896.502 million in the same month of the previous year. On a month-on-month basis, apparel imports declined by 10.25 per cent compared to inbound trade worth $1,024.796 million in January 2025.

The country imported knitted apparel and clothing accessories (Chapter 61) valued at $382.130 million in February 2025, compared to $366.215 million in February 2024. The import value of non-knitted apparel and clothing accessories (Chapter 62) was $537.542 million in February 2025, up from $530.287 million in February 2024. In January 2025, imports amounted to $428.437 million for Chapter 61 and $596.359 million for Chapter 62.

South Korea typically exports fabrics and textile materials while importing ready-made garments. In January–February 2025, the country exported man-made filaments, strips, and similar materials of man-made textiles (Chapter 54) worth $289.392 million, down from $331.163 million in January–February 2024. Shipments of knitted or crocheted fabrics (Chapter 60) reached $235.810 million in January–February 2025, easing from $271.704 million in the same period of 2024.

In February 2025, the country exported man-made filaments, strips, and similar materials of man-made textiles worth $150.322 million, and knitted or crocheted fabrics (Chapter 60) worth $124.720 million. In February 2024, these exports were valued at $160.685 million for Chapter 54 and $142.974 million for Chapter 60. In January 2025, the export values were $139.070 million and $111.090 million, respectively.

In 2024, South Korea’s apparel imports reached $12.366 billion, reflecting an increase of 3.12 per cent compared to imports of $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)