Cambodia’s export sector continues its remarkable growth trajectory. In the first quarter of 2026, total exports reached US$8.09 billion, a year‑on‑year increase of 17.7%. This performance is driven by strong global demand, preferential trade agreements, and a diversifying product mix beyond traditional garments.
This article provides the latest export statistics for 2026, lists Cambodia’s main export products, identifies the top destination markets, and explains why these numbers matter for investors and traders.
📊 Q1 2026 Export Snapshot
| Indicator | Q1 2026 | Change vs Q1 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Total exports | US$8.09 billion | ▲ 17.7% |
| Total imports | US$8.33 billion | ▲ 16.7% |
| Total trade | US$16.42 billion | ▲ 17.0% |
Source: General Department of Customs and Excise
The trade surplus/deficit remains nearly balanced, reflecting Cambodia’s role as both an exporter of finished goods and an importer of raw materials, machinery, and consumer products.
🏆 Top Export Products (2026)
Cambodia’s export basket has expanded significantly. Below are the leading product categories, based on Q1 2026 data and full‑year 2025 trends.
| Rank | Product Category | Examples | Share of Exports |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Garments, footwear & travel goods (GFT) | T‑shirts, trousers, shoes, bags | ~50% |
| 2 | Machinery & electrical equipment | Wires, cables, electronics, solar components | ~12% |
| 3 | Rubber & rubber products | Natural rubber, tyres, rubber gloves | ~8% |
| 4 | Agricultural products | Rice, cashew nuts, bananas, mangoes, cassava | ~7% |
| 5 | Footwear & leather goods | Shoes, leather bags, belts | ~6% |
| 6 | Furniture & wood products | Bedroom furniture, chairs, wooden frames | ~4% |
| 7 | Textiles & fabrics | Yarn, woven fabrics (upstream for garments) | ~3% |
| 8 | Fruits & vegetables | Fresh bananas, mangoes, longans, peppers | ~2% |
| 9 | Pearls & precious stones | Processed gems, jewellery | ~1% |
| 10 | Other | Bicycles, vehicle tyres, plastics | ~7% |
Note: Non‑garment exports (machinery, rubber, agricultural goods) are growing faster than the GFT sector, reflecting Cambodia’s industrial diversification.
🌏 Top 5 Export Destinations (Q1 2026)
| Rank | Country | Key Products | Growth Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | Garments, footwear, travel goods, furniture | ▲ 39.9% (Jan–Feb 2026) |
| 2 | Vietnam | Machinery, electrical equipment, agricultural products | ▲ steady |
| 3 | Japan | Garments, textiles, rubber, electronic components | ▲ steady |
| 4 | China | Rice, rubber, cassava, fruits, textiles | ▲ steady |
| 5 | Spain | Garments, footwear, leather goods | ▲ emerging |
The United States remains Cambodia’s single largest market, accounting for roughly 30% of total exports. Vietnam and China serve as both export destinations and sources of raw materials. Spain’s entry into the top five highlights Cambodia’s growing foothold in the European Union, supported by the Everything But Arms (EBA) scheme.
📈 Why Exports Are Growing: Key Drivers
1. Regional & Bilateral Trade Agreements
- RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) – lowers tariffs among 15 Asia‑Pacific countries.
- Cambodia‑China FTA – eliminates tariffs on over 90% of products.
- Cambodia‑South Korea FTA – opens new markets for garments, parts, and agricultural goods.
- Cambodia‑UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) – boosts trade with the Middle East.
2. Factory Expansion & Diversification
- New tyre factories (Svay Rieng, Sihanoukville) have boosted rubber exports.
- Solar panel assembly plants are emerging in special economic zones (SEZs).
- Furniture and bicycle manufacturing have attracted foreign investment.
3. Improved Logistics & Trade Facilitation
- Techo International Airport (KTI) – faster air freight.
- Funan Techo Canal (under construction) – will reduce shipping costs to the sea.
- Sihanoukville Autonomous Port expansion – handling larger container ships.
4. Strong Global Demand
- Post‑pandemic restocking in the US and EU.
- Shifting supply chains away from China (China +1 strategy) benefit Cambodia.
💡 What This Means for Investors & Traders
| Audience | Opportunity |
|---|---|
| Exporters | Leverage FTAs to access new markets. Invest in quality certification (e.g., organic, fair trade) to command premium prices. |
| Investors | Consider non‑garment sectors: rubber processing, electronics assembly, agro‑processing, packaging. SEZs offer tax incentives. |
| Traders | Import demand for raw materials (cotton, machinery, chemicals) is high. Explore sourcing partnerships with Cambodian manufacturers. |
| Logistics providers | Growing export volumes create demand for warehousing, cold chain, and freight forwarding. |
The Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) grants Qualified Investment Project (QIP) status to eligible export‑oriented projects, offering tax holidays and duty‑free equipment imports.
🔮 Outlook for 2026 & Beyond
Based on Q1 performance, Cambodia’s full‑year exports could reach US$34‑36 billion (up from US$30.43 billion in 2025). Key factors to watch:
- Global fuel prices – a spike could raise production and transport costs.
- US and EU economic growth – slowdowns would reduce demand for Cambodian garments.
- Implementation of FTAs – further tariff reductions will boost competitiveness.
The government’s Pentagonal Strategy prioritises export diversification, human capital development, and digital transformation – all supporting long‑term trade growth.
🔗 Related Guides
- Cambodia’s Major Export Products (2026 Update)
- Cambodia Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Trends 2000–2026
- The Trade Boom: Cambodia’s Exports to the US Surge 40% in Early 2026
- How to Start a Business in Cambodia as a Foreigner (2026 Legal Guide)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cambodia’s top exports in 2026?
Garments, footwear, and travel goods (GFT) remain the largest category, followed by machinery/electrical equipment, rubber, agricultural products (rice, cashews, bananas), and furniture.
Which country does Cambodia export the most to?
The United States is the top destination, followed by Vietnam, Japan, China, and Spain.
How has Cambodia’s export performance been in 2026?
Exports grew 17.7% year‑on‑year in Q1 2026, reaching US$8.09 billion. The growth is driven by FTAs, factory diversification, and strong global demand.
What free trade agreements does Cambodia have?
Cambodia has FTAs with China, South Korea, and the UAE, and is a member of RCEP. It also benefits from the EU’s EBA scheme and US GSP.
How can I start exporting from Cambodia?
Register your business through the Single Portal for Business Registration, obtain sector‑specific licenses, and contact the Ministry of Commerce’s Trade Promotion Department for market access support.
📢 Disclaimer
Export statistics are based on preliminary data from the General Department of Customs and Excise (as of April 2026). Figures may be revised. Investors and traders should consult official sources before making business decisions.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Cambodia’s export sector is no longer a one‑product story. With strong growth in machinery, rubber, and agricultural goods, the country is steadily climbing the value chain. The combination of RCEP, bilateral FTAs, and improving logistics makes Cambodia an increasingly attractive manufacturing and sourcing destination.
For investors and traders, the message is clear: diversify, certify, and leverage trade agreements to access global markets.