South Korea's apparel imports steady at $4 bn in Jan–Apr 2025

Imports of knitted apparel and clothing accessories (Chapter 61) were valued at $1,719.693 million in the first four months of 2025, up from $1,668.773 million in the corresponding period of the previous year. Meanwhile, imports of non-knitted apparel and clothing accessories (Chapter 62) totalled $2,320.168 million, down from $2,369.257 million in January–April 2024.

In April 2025, South Korea’s apparel imports stood at $985.595 million, slightly lower than $989.312 million in April 2024. On a month-on-month basis, apparel imports declined by 11.18 per cent compared to $1,109.603 million in March 2025.

The country imported knitted apparel and clothing accessories (Chapter 61) worth $427.373 million in April 2025, up from $421.616 million in April 2024. Non-knitted apparel and clothing accessories (Chapter 62) imports were valued at $558.222 million in April 2025, down from $567.696 million in April 2024. In March 2025, imports amounted to $481.624 million for Chapter 61 and $627.373 million for Chapter 62.

South Korea generally exports fabrics and textile materials while importing readymade garments. Between January and April 2025, exports of man-made filaments, strips, and similar materials (Chapter 54) were valued at $611.257 million, down from $684.437 million in the same period of 2024. Exports of knitted or crocheted fabrics (Chapter 60) reached $501.934 million, easing from $575.899 million a year earlier.

In April 2025, the country exported man-made filaments, strips, and similar materials worth $173.369 million, and knitted or crocheted fabrics worth $138.868 million. In comparison, April 2024 exports for these categories were valued at $171.295 million and $128.730 million, respectively. In March 2025, the export values were $148.663 million (Chapter 54) and $127.369 million (Chapter 60).

In 2024, South Korea’s apparel imports reached $12.366 billion, marking a 3.12 per cent increase from $11.991 billion in 2023. Imports of knitted apparel and clothing accessories totalled $5.083 billion, while non-knitted apparel and clothing accessories amounted to $7.283 billion. That year, the country exported man-made filaments, strips, and similar materials (Chapter 54) worth $1,987.300 million, slightly down from $2,107.283 million in 2023. Exports of knitted or crocheted fabrics (Chapter 60) were valued at $1,713.855 million in 2024, compared to $1,788.741 million in 2023.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (KUL)