Cambodia posts $3.45 billion apparel exports

Cambodia’s apparel exports reached $3.45 billion in the first four months of 2026, up 9.61% from a year earlier, according to trade data reported by Fibre2Fashion on May 19 and circulated on X on May 20. The figure represented 31.1% of the country’s total exports in January through April, the report said. The data points to continued growth in one of Cambodia’s largest manufacturing sectors. The country’s customs agency separately shows that monthly trade statistics are published on a rolling schedule and that March 2026 data was released on May 10. ### How big is the apparel sector in Cambodia’s export mix? The $3.45 billion total means apparel alone made up nearly one-third of Cambodia’s exports in the first four months of 2026, according to Fibre2Fashion. That 31.1% share shows the sector remains central to the country’s trade earnings. Fibre2Fashion also reported Cambodia’s apparel exports had risen to $9.791 billion in full-year 2024, accounting for 37.37% of total foreign income. That earlier benchmark suggests apparel remains one of the country’s largest export categories even as its share can fluctuate across months and years. (fibre2fashion.com) ### What exactly is included in the apparel number? Fibre2Fashion said the January-April 2026 figure covered knitted apparel and clothing accessories as well as non-knitted apparel and accessories. The report said gains were recorded across both categories, indicating that the increase was not limited to a single segment of garment production. (fibre2fashion.com) The same report said April growth was stronger than the four-month pace, with shipments rising from a year earlier and demand linked to major markets including the United States, the European Union and Japan. Fibre2Fashion attributed that characterization to the underlying customs data it reviewed. (fibre2fashion.com) ### Where does this sit in Cambodia’s broader trade picture? Cambodia’s customs statistics portal shows official monthly merchandise trade releases are published on a provisional basis, with the latest posted release covering March 2026 as of May 10. The site lists export and import tables by country and commodity chapter, indicating the government tracks trade by detailed product groups. (fibre2fashion.com) The customs release calendar shows April 2026 merchandise trade statistics are scheduled for publication on June 9, 2026, usually at 10:00 a.m. local time. That means the January-April apparel figure is ahead of, or derived from, data that will soon be reflected in the government’s next scheduled monthly trade release. (stats.customs.gov.kh) ### Why does garment manufacturing still matter so much to Cambodia? The U.S. State Department said in its 2025 investment climate statement that Cambodia’s economy grew 5.3% in 2024 and that tourism and foreign direct investment were among the drivers of growth. The report also said the United States was Cambodia’s largest export market by far in 2024, with Cambodian exports to the United States rising 9.3% to $12.7 billion. (stats.customs.gov.kh) The International Monetary Fund said Cambodia’s economy accelerated in 2024, helped by a rebound in garment and agricultural exports and a continued recovery in tourism. That places the latest apparel export reading in a broader pattern of export-led growth. ### What should readers watch next? June 9, 2026 is the next date to watch. (state.gov) Cambodia’s customs statistics calendar shows that is when provisional trade data for April 2026 is due to be released, including updated export tables by commodity chapter and partner country. (stats.customs.gov.kh) (imf.org)