Japanese sports‑goods giant Mizuno is set to begin manufacturing baseballs in Cambodia, marking a significant boost to the Kingdom’s growing role in regional supply chains. The new facility, located in the Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone, is scheduled to open in June and will employ around 200 workers.

The factory is expected to produce 1.2 million baseballs annually, adding Cambodia as Mizuno’s third production base after Japan and China. The move comes ahead of the World Baseball Classic in March, jointly hosted by the United States and Japan, which is expected to drive demand for professional‑grade equipment.

Mizuno, the official supplier of baseballs for Japan’s professional leagues and a major provider for schools and universities, cited Cambodia’s competitive labour costs as a key factor. Baseball production remains highly labour‑intensive, particularly in the hand‑sewing of leather coverings.

A 2025 report by the Japan External Trade Organisation found that Cambodian factory workers earn an average annual salary of $3,931, including social insurance—69 percent lower than in China and 25 percent less than in Vietnam. Beyond cost advantages, the expansion reflects growing confidence in Cambodia’s workforce, which already supports global garment brands such as Uniqlo and specialised industries like diamond polishing for Tiffany.

Mizuno’s investment adds to a wider wave of Japanese corporate activity in Cambodia. Automotive giant Toyota has established assembly facilities, while component manufacturer Yazaki operates large‑scale plants. Retail developer Aeon Mall continues to expand, and projects such as VKirirom Pine Resort highlight Japan’s interest in eco‑tourism and sustainable development.

Japan’s engagement also extends through decades of Official Development Assistance, financing infrastructure projects including the expansion of Sihanoukville Autonomous Port. The port upgrade aims to triple capacity and reduce logistics costs, underscoring Tokyo’s long‑term commitment to Cambodia’s economic growth.

-2026-01-09

On 1/9/2026 at 8:48 AM, geovalin said:

Tokyo’s long‑term commitment to Cambodia’s economic growth.

Thank you Japan, it is not just the Chinese!

Here in Siem Reap our Government Provincial Hospital has new modern buildings, fully equiped with medical facilities, built and funded by the Japanese. We now have an MRI scanner.!