Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – Despite facing multiple challenges from a complex external economic and trade environment, Cambodia's garment, footwear, and travel goods (GFT) industry demonstrated strong resilience in 2025. The latest statistics from the Cambodian Ministry of Commerce show that the industry achieved double-digit growth in exports throughout the year, becoming a crucial pillar supporting the country's steady economic progress.
Data shows that Cambodia's total exports of garments, footwear, and travel goods reached US$15.52 billion in 2025, a significant increase of 15.7% compared to 2024, a remarkable growth rate. While the performance of different product categories varied, the overall trend was positive: garment exports reached US$11.4 billion, a year-on-year increase of 16.52%; footwear exports reached US$2.09 billion, a surge of 24.53% year-on-year, becoming the fastest-growing category; and travel goods exports reached US$2.02 billion, a year-on-year increase of 3.87%, maintaining a steady growth trend.
Pan Sok Viet, Secretary of State and Spokesperson of the Cambodian Ministry of Commerce, stated that the continued rise in GFT exports is attributed to the high competitiveness and good market reputation of Cambodian products accumulated in the international supply chain. Currently, orders from the United States, the European Union, and members of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) remain at a robust level, providing solid support for industry growth.
Regarding the impact of external policy changes, Ban Soe Vai Chea pointed out that although the United States will impose a 19% countervailing duty on relevant Cambodian goods starting in August 2025, Cambodia continues to attract new investment inflows due to its efficient production capacity and well-developed industrial support system, effectively offsetting the adverse effects of tariffs.
In addressing tariff challenges, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice President of the Development Council, Sun Chanthol, disclosed that Cambodia has become the first country to complete comprehensive negotiations and reach a formal agreement with the United States on tariff issues. He emphasized that the government will continue to maintain close consultations with the United States, striving to further reduce tariff rates on major export products and comprehensively maintain and enhance the international competitiveness of Cambodia's manufacturing industry by reducing trade barriers.
Currently, the United States, the European Union, Canada, and RCEP member countries remain the core export destinations for Cambodia's GFT (Goods and Services) industry. The Cambodian government stated that it will continue to leverage the benefits of the RCEP and bilateral trade agreements, vigorously promote the diversification of trade markets, and ensure that this pillar industry maintains its leading position amidst a complex and volatile international situation, continuously empowering the country's economic growth. (End)
