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South Korea's apparel imports decline to $12 bn in 2025

01 Feb '26

2 min read

South Korea's apparel imports decline to $12 bn in 2025

Pic: Shutterstock.com

Insights

South Korea's apparel imports declined by *.*% to $******** billion in 2025, reflecting softer consumer demand and cautious retail buying. While knitted apparel imports edged up on steady demand for basics and athleisure, non-knitted categories fell amid inventory pressures. Meanwhile, textile exports weakened due to softer global demand and rising competition from lower-cost Asian producers.

Imports of knitted apparel and clothing accessories (Chapter **) were valued at $*.*** billion in ****, 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 ****. 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.