Cambodia’s exports surge nearly 20 % in H1

Cambodia’s economy has posted a sharp rise in trade, with exports climbing 19.5% year-on-year to $17 billion in the first half of 2026, according to official figures released yesterday. Imports also grew strongly, up 21.4% to $19.7 billion between January and June.

The Ministry of Commerce credited the boom to regional and bilateral trade agreements, particularly the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). “These pacts offer a strong foundation for exporting Cambodian goods with highly preferential tariffs,” said ministry spokesperson Penn Sovicheat.

At the heart of this growth lies the garment, textile, footwear and travel goods (GFT) industry, which remains Cambodia’s economic backbone. The sector exported nearly $8 billion worth of products in the first six months of the year, a 6.2% increase compared with the same period in 2025. Accounting for almost half of total exports, GFT continues to be the country’s primary source of foreign exchange.

Experts say the figures highlight successful diversification of markets. Thong Mengdavid of the Cambodia University of Technology and Science pointed to expanded access through RCEP and bilateral deals with China, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates. These agreements, he noted, have strengthened supply chain integration and opened new doors for Cambodian goods.

Beyond trade statistics, the GFT sector’s social impact is significant. More than 1,800 factories and branches now employ around 1.1 million workers, most of them women, according to the Ministry of Labour. The industry’s resilience is seen as vital not only for economic growth but also for livelihoods across the country.

With exports rising and regional partnerships deepening, Cambodia is positioning itself as a stronger player in global trade. The challenge ahead will be balancing this momentum with the pressures of rising imports and ensuring that growth translates into sustainable benefits for its workforce.

-2026-07-13