(Phnom Penh): Cambodia’s exports of garment, footwear, and travel goods (GFT) exceeded USD 16 billion in 2025, marking an increase of more than 16 per cent compared to nearly USD 14 billion in 2024, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

The ministry’s 2025 report on key export commodities shows that garment exports surpassed USD 11 billion, rising 16.52 per cent year-on-year from over USD 9.7 billion in 2024. Footwear exports reached more than USD 2 billion, up 24.53 per cent, while travel goods and bag exports also exceeded USD 2 billion, increasing 3.87 per cent. Meanwhile, textile exports climbed to USD 678 million, representing a strong 35.86 per cent increase from USD 499 million in 2024.

Lim Heng, Vice President of the Cambodian Chamber of Commerce, stated that the significant increase in exports was attributable to Cambodia's sustained capacity to maintain robust markets for garments, textiles, footwear, and travel goods. He observed that Cambodia continues to leverage preferential trade schemes such as EBA and GSP from various countries, as well as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which has provided further support for export growth in these sectors.

He conveyed optimism that in 2026, exports of garments, textiles, footwear, and travel goods would sustain robust growth, notwithstanding persistent global economic uncertainty and the 19 percent tariff levied by the United States on Cambodia. Nevertheless, he underscored that Cambodia’s export markets are not confined solely to the US, given that the nation also exports to numerous other destinations under preferential tariff schemes and a variety of trade agreements.

“Although the 19 percent tariff aligns with rates imposed on Vietnam and Thailand, Cambodia remains highly competitive due to lower labor costs, which could allow us to outperform regional competitors,” he said. “With more than 600 investment projects registered at the Council for the Development of Cambodia, strong growth is expected across nearly all sectors, not only garments.”

During the closing ceremony of the 2025 Annual Review of Trade Performance and the 2026 Trade Work Plan, conducted in early January 2026, Sun Chanthol, First Vice Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia, announced that Cambodia is continuing negotiations with the US to secure additional tariff reductions across several priority sectors, notably garments, footwear, and travel goods.

He highlighted that these industries generate significant employment, especially for women, and play a crucial role in improving living standards. At the same time, he stressed the importance of economic diversification, noting Cambodia’s progress in expanding processed agricultural products, light manufacturing, and electronics exports.
=FRESH NEWS