Cambodia’s exports rise nearly 20 percent in H1

Cambodia’s exports rise nearly 20 percent in H1

The strong export growth reflects the confidence of international buyers in the Kingdom’s manufacturing capabilities and the benefits derived from the country’s network of bilateral and regional free trade agreements.

Cambodia’s merchandise exports reached more than $17 billion during the first six months of 2026, marking a 19.5 percent year-on-year increase, a report from the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia (GDCE) showed on Friday.

According to the report, the United States remained Cambodia’s largest export destination, accounting for $7.17 billion, or 42 percent of the country’s total exports.

Vietnam ranked as the second-largest destination for Cambodian exports, importing goods worth $2.52 billion, followed by China at $943 million. Japan and Canada also remained important markets, with exports worth $906 million and $634 million, respectively.

The export performance was driven by garments, travel goods, footwear, bicycles, electrical and electronic components, agricultural products and other goods.

Secretary of State and Spokesman at the Ministry of Commerce Penn Sovicheat said the continued rise in exports demonstrates the resilience of Cambodia’s economy and the effectiveness of the government’s trade diversification strategy.

Speaking with Khmer Times, Sovicheat said, “The strong export growth reflects the confidence of international buyers in Cambodia’s manufacturing capabilities and the benefits derived from the country’s network of bilateral and regional free trade agreements.”

Cambodia has continued expanding market access through agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the Cambodia-China Free Trade Agreement and other bilateral trade arrangements, while also improving trade facilitation, logistics and customs procedures to enhance export competitiveness, he added.

Cambodia Chamber of Commerce Vice-President Lim Heng lauded the latest trade figures, viewing it as a positive signal of investor confidence and the country’s growing role in manufacturing production networks.

“The strong export growth indicates that Cambodia remains an attractive manufacturing base for international investors. The expansion of factories has supported higher export volumes while creating more employment opportunities for Cambodian workers,” Heng said.

He added that Cambodia’s competitive investment environment, strategic location, expanding free trade network and improving infrastructure continue to strengthen the country’s position as a preferred destination for manufacturing firms.

Cambodia should continue diversifying both its export products and destination markets while increasing value-added production, Heng said, adding that this will help maintain sustainable export growth and enhance the country’s competitiveness in the global marketplace.

The garment, textile, footwear, and travel goods industry is Cambodia’s largest foreign exchange earner, accounting for 46 percent of the total export value, read the report.

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