South Korea’s Apparel Imports Slip As Demand Shifts To Casual Wear
South Korea’s apparel imports fell 1.0% to US$ 9.1 billion in the first nine months of 2025, reflecting subdued retail demand and cautious consumer spending. The decline, however, was uneven across product categories, underscoring a notable shift in shopper preferences.
Imports of knitted apparel and accessories (Chapter 61) edged up to US$ 4.06 billion, compared with US$ 4.02 billion in the same period last year. The slight growth indicates steady demand for lightweight, casual and athleisure-oriented knitwear segments buoyed by South Korea’s thriving fast-fashion and sports-inspired markets.
In contrast, non-knitted apparel (Chapter 62) imports dropped 1.7% to US$ 5.04 billion, down from US$ 5.13 billion a year earlier. This decline highlights a slowdown in categories such as formalwear and structured outerwear, which continue to lose ground to more flexible, comfort-driven clothing choices.
Meanwhile, South Korean textile exports including man-made filaments and knitted fabrics, also contracted during the period, pressured by higher manufacturing costs and strong competition from dominant production hubs like China and Vietnam.
Overall, the latest trade data points to a clear trend, South Korean consumers are favouring comfort-first, casual apparel, while demand for traditional, tailored garments continues to soften.
