Cambodia’s Garment and Textile Exports Surge 7.7% in Q1

Cambodia exports of garment, textile, footwear, and travel products reached $3.8 billion in the first quarter of 2026, marking a 7.7 percent increase year-on-year, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

Breakdown of Export Growth

Apparel and textiles led the growth, accounting for $2.77 billion during the January-March period, an increase of 7.6 percent. Footwear exports rose 11.8 percent to $516 million.

Travel goods also saw an upward trend, absorbing nearly $513 million, which represents a 4.2 percent increase.

Strategic Market Diversification

Thong Mengdavid, deputy director at the China-ASEAN Studies Center of the Cambodia University of Technology and Science, attributed the growth to effective market diversification beyond traditional partners.

He noted that Cambodia’s participation in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) has facilitated better market access. Bilateral free trade agreements with China, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates have further integrated the country into global supply chains.

Industry Scale and Employment

The garment, textile, footwear, and travel goods industry remains the kingdom’s largest foreign exchange earner. It currently represents 46 percent of the nation’s total export value.

As of 2025, the sector comprises more than 1,800 factories and branches. According to the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training, the industry employs roughly 1.1 million workers, the majority of whom are women.