South Korea recorded a positive growth trajectory in its readymade apparel import sector during the first half of 2026, signaling strong domestic market momentum amidst global economic challenges. According to the latest data from Trademap, the country's total apparel import value increased slightly by 2.27 per cent to reach $5.658 billion between January and June 2026, compared to $5.531 billion during the same period in 2025. Notably, import shipments witnessed higher growth rates as the reporting period progressed toward mid-year.

A closer look at the data shows that imports of knitted apparel and clothing accessories in the first six months of 2026 reached $2.480 billion, marking a 4.45 per cent increase from $2.375 billion the previous year. Meanwhile, non-knitted apparel and clothing accessories imports totaled $3.177 billion, representing a 0.65 per cent rise from $3.156 billion in January-June 2025.

This acceleration in growth became even more pronounced in the monthly figures for June 2026. During that month, South Korea's apparel imports climbed 4.54 per cent to $851.743 million, up from $814.697 million in June 2025. Specifically, imports of knitted apparel and clothing accessories valued at $375.519 million surged 10.94 per cent year-on-year, while non-knitted apparel imports totaled $476.224 million, registering a 9.41 per cent increase.

This trend presents an interesting contrast, as South Korea typically functions as an exporter of fabrics and textile materials while importing readymade garments. Alongside surging apparel imports, the country's raw material exports faced downward pressures. In the first half of 2026, exports of man-made filaments, strips, and similar materials dropped 5.58 per cent to $845.404 million, while knitted or crocheted fabric exports eased 9.23 per cent to $698.818 million. These contractions reflect softer global textile demand and intense competition from lower-cost producers.

This ongoing shift underscores South Korea's established trade patterns, continuing a historical pattern observed through 2024 and 2025, where the nation consistently maintains high annual readymade garment import values exceeding $12 billion to satisfy domestic demand while dealing with softer global textile export conditions.