Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – According to the latest trade report from Cambodia's Ministry of Commerce, in January 2026, the country's pillar industry – garments, footwear, and travel goods (GFT) – achieved total exports of US$1.38 billion, a year-on-year increase of 7.2%, continuing its strong growth momentum and laying a solid foundation for economic growth throughout the year.
The report shows that all three core sub-sectors achieved positive growth, with the footwear industry performing the best. As the main export driver, the garment industry's exports in January reached approximately US$1 billion, a year-on-year increase of 6.7%; the footwear industry showed strong expansion momentum, with exports reaching US$196.6 million, a significant year-on-year increase of 16.8%; and travel goods and bags exports reached US$188 million, a year-on-year increase of approximately 1%.
Industry analysts point out that the continued export growth is attributed to the Cambodian government's effective market diversification strategy, which combines consolidation of traditional markets with a proactive approach. Furthermore, the recovery in external market demand, coupled with the continued injection of new investment from countries such as China, South Korea, and Japan, has not only enhanced the industry's production capacity but also strengthened Cambodia's competitiveness in the global supply chain. This growth trend is expected to continue throughout 2026.
The GFT (Gross Free Trade Zone) industry remains a core pillar of Cambodia's national economy: currently, its exports account for 46.5% of the country's total exports, making it the nation's primary source of foreign exchange earnings. In terms of employment, according to data from the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training, the industry currently has over 1,500 factories and branches, directly employing over 900,000 people, the vast majority of whom are women, making a significant contribution to Cambodia's social stability and improved livelihoods. (End)
