Textile and garment exports zoom to record $3.5B in Q1

Textile and garment exports zoom to record $3.5B in Q1

Cambodia’s exports of textile and garment products reached approximately $3.5 billion in the first three months of 2025, marking a record 20.1 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024, said Sun Mesa, spokesman of the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training (MLVT) yesterday.

Speaking to Khmer Times, Mesa confirmed that from January to March, the total exports of clothing, footwear, travel goods, and bags touched about $3.5 billion.

Breaking down the strong growth across key markets, he said that exports to the United States increased by 25.7 percent, Europe by 20.8 percent, Japan by 19.9 percent, the United Kingdom by 5.6 percent, and ASEAN by 24 percent.

“In the first quarter of 2025, Cambodia’s economy has performed well with textile and garment exports growing by over 20 percent,” he said, adding, “In a world increasingly affected by political and economic uncertainty, Cambodia’s strong economic performance should be a source of national pride.”

Mesa attributed the significant increase in exports to the soaring orders from internationally renowned brands such as Adidas, Nike, and many others that value Cambodia’s consistent production quality and reliable supply chain.

He emphasised that this growth is closely tied to favourable conditions created by government policies under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet. These include a wide range of supportive legal and regulatory measures aimed at facilitating factory operations, attracting investors, and encouraging the relocation of large manufacturing facilities to Cambodia.

“The Ministry of Labor, as a key arm of the Royal Government, has also removed a large number of services to make it easier for investors to complete their work to carry out their activities,” Mesa said.

“This has given Cambodia a competitive edge over other countries in the garment industry.”

Mesa also highlighted the role of skilled labour in driving growth. He credited the 7th Royal Government’s early focus on labour policies that have improved working conditions, enhanced productivity, and fostered better industrial relations in factories across the country.

He further noted that regional factors have also played a part, with political instability and uncertainty in competing countries prompting international buyers to shift their orders to Cambodia.

Sam Soeun, president of the National Labour Union of Cambodia (NLC), has expressed support for the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training’s recent statement on the significant rise in textile and garment exports, saying the figures reflect the real and positive condition of the Cambodian economy.

He said that the sector is currently stable with no major disruptions, and emphasised that job creation in the textile and garment industry has steadily increased thanks to the continuous inflow of foreign investment. This, Soeun said, stems from foreign investors’ strong confidence in the Royal Government, which has ensured peace and political stability.

He urged workers to remain committed to their duties and avoid being influenced by individuals or organizations abroad who, he claimed, often misrepresent the situation in Cambodia without providing credible evidence.

At the ceremony marking the 139th Anniversary of International Labour Day on May 1, Minister of Labor Heng Sour highlighted the indispensable role of workers in Cambodia’s economic development.

“Workers are not just employees, they are family members, the cells and blood vessels of our economy, and essential contributors to the nation’s progress, both now and in the future,” he said.

The minister emphasised that the Royal Government continues to attract investment and support the establishment of new enterprises to create more jobs for the Cambodian people. The sector consists 1,608 factories, employing 913,000 workers – mostly females.

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