Cambodia’s fashion and travel exports hit $1.4 billion as global demand surges

Cambodia’s fashion and travel exports hit $1.4 billion as global demand surges

Cambodia’s vital manufacturing sector had a strong start to the year, with exports of garments, footwear, and travel goods reaching nearly $1.4 billion in January 2026, according to an official report published yesterday. The figures show a 7.2% rise compared to the same month last year.

Data compiled by the Ministry of Commerce showed that garments alone accounted for around $1 billion in exports in January, a 6.7% year-on-year increase. The footwear sector experienced even stronger growth, with shipments to international markets rising 16.8% to $196.6 million. Additionally, exports of travel goods and bags reached $188 million, around 1% rise.

China-ASEAN Studies Centre Deputy Director Thong Mengdavid at the Cambodia University of Technology and Science said the sustained growth reflects the kingdom’s effective strategy to diversify its markets beyond traditional trading partners. He told Xinhua that this upward trend is expected to persist throughout 2026, bolstered by resilient external demand and fresh investment inflows from China, South Korea, and Japan.

The garment, footwear, and travel goods industry remains Cambodia’s most significant foreign-exchange earner, accounting for 46.5% of the kingdom’s total export value. The sector currently supports more than 1,500 factories and branches and employs over 900,000 workers, the majority of whom are women, according to the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training. 

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