
South Korea’s apparel imports fell slightly in Jan–Oct, while imports in Oct saw a sharper drop.
Knitted categories proved more resilient than non-knitted items.
Textile exports continued to contract as production shifted offshore and global competition increased.
The divergence highlights weakening upstream competitiveness and sustained reliance on China, Vietnam and Bangladesh for garment supply.South Korea’s apparel imports fell slightly in Jan–Oct, while imports in Oct saw a sharper drop.
Knitted categories proved more resilient than non-knitted items.
Textile exports continued to contract as production shifted offshore and global competition increased.
The divergence highlights weakening upstream competitiveness and sustained reliance on China, Vietnam and Bangladesh for garment supply.


