Cambodia’s GFT exports cross $5B in four months

Cambodia’s GFT exports cross $5B in four months

The strong start to 2026 raises optimism that the export sector could maintain positive momentum throughout the year if global demand remains stable and supply chain disruptions ease further.

Cambodia’s exports of garments, footwear and travel goods (GFT) reached $5.02 billion in the January to April 2026 period, showing a robust growth of 11.26 percent year-on-year despite mounting geopolitical challenges, according to newly released data from the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE), on Monday.

The figures reinforce the sector’s resilience and its position as one of the Kingdom’s most important economic pillars, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and contributing over 45 percent of national export earnings during the period.

Within the sector, knitted apparel and clothing accessories remained the largest export category, generating $2.15 billion during the four-month period. The segment posted a year-on-year increase of 10.8 percent, reflecting sustained demand from key overseas buyers, particularly in the United States and European markets.

Exports of non-knitted apparel and clothing accessories also continued to expand, earning $1.29 billion, up 8.7 percent compared to the same period in 2025. Industry observers say the growth demonstrates Cambodia’s improving manufacturing capabilities and diversification within the apparel sector.

Meanwhile, footwear exports showed particularly strong momentum. Shipments of footwear articles reached $705 million, marking a 13.2 percent increase year-on-year. Analysts attribute the rise to growing orders from international brands seeking to diversify sourcing bases across Southeast Asia amid continuing shifts in global supply chains.

Travel goods, another major export category that has gained importance over the past decade, generated $724 million during the January-April period, rising 8.9 percent from a year earlier. Cambodia has increasingly positioned itself as a regional production hub for luggage, backpacks and related products after several global manufacturers expanded operations in the country.

One of the standout performers was the category of other made-up textile articles, which earned $143 million and surged by 62.3 percent year-on-year. The sharp rise suggests increasing product diversification and higher-value manufacturing activities within Cambodia’s textile and light manufacturing industries.

The latest export performance comes at a time when global trade faces continued uncertainty stemming from geopolitical tensions, shipping disruptions and inflationary pressures in major consumer economies. Despite these challenges, Cambodia’s export-oriented manufacturing sector has remained relatively resilient, aided by competitive labour costs, preferential trade access and ongoing foreign investment.

Economists note that Cambodia continues to benefit from the “China plus one” manufacturing strategy adopted by many multinational companies seeking to diversify production locations. The country’s participation in regional trade agreements, including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), has also helped improve market access and investor confidence.

The GFT sector remains a critical driver of Cambodia’s economy, accounting for a substantial share of industrial output and formal employment. Government officials have emphasised the importance of upgrading workforce skills, improving logistics infrastructure and enhancing compliance with international labour and environmental standards to maintain long-term competitiveness.

While external risks remain, the strong start to 2026 has raised optimism that Cambodia’s export sector could maintain positive momentum throughout the year if global demand remains stable and supply chain disruptions ease further.

Industry leaders say continued investment in product diversification, technology adoption and sustainable manufacturing practices will be essential for Cambodia to strengthen its position in the competitive global manufacturing landscape.

khmertimeskh