Cambodia’s international trade performance in 2025 captured widespread attention as total trade volume surpassed US$65.25 billion, representing an 18 percent year-on-year increase. While headlines often focus on export values, major trading partners, and government reforms, a more human story sits at the core of this achievement. At the center of Cambodia’s trade boom is a workforce of nearly one million people—most of them women—who drive the country’s garment, footwear, and travel goods industries.
From factory floors to global supply chains, women workers play a decisive role in sustaining Cambodia’s export-driven economy. Their contribution extends well beyond production lines, supporting household incomes, strengthening local communities, and underpinning long-term national economic growth.
Cambodia’s Trade Boom in 2025: Key Economic Highlights
Official figures from the Ministry of Commerce show that Cambodia’s total international trade volume exceeded US$65.25 billion in 2025, demonstrating strong economic momentum despite global uncertainties.
Key trade figures include:
- Exports: US$31.28 billion, up 17 percent from 2024
- Imports: US$33.96 billion, rising more than 18 percent
- Major trading partners: United States, China, and Vietnam
Government-led reforms—including export market diversification, trade facilitation improvements, and digitalized procedures—have contributed to this growth. However, trade statistics alone do not fully explain how Cambodia remains competitive in global markets.
The Garment and Footwear Sector: Backbone of Cambodia’s Exports
The garment, footwear, and travel goods sector continues to be Cambodia’s largest source of foreign exchange, accounting for around 50 percent of total export value. More than 1,600 factories across the country produce apparel, shoes, bags, and related goods for international brands.
Key characteristics of the sector include:
- Deep integration into global supply chains
- Strong demand from US, EU, and Asian markets
- Labor-intensive manufacturing processes
Although Cambodia has expanded exports into machinery, electronics, furniture, and agricultural products, garments and footwear remain the foundation of the country’s export economy.
Women Workers in Cambodia’s Garment Industry: The Real Export Engine
According to the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, Cambodia’s garment and footwear sector employs approximately 913,000 workers, with women forming the majority, especially in garment manufacturing roles.
Several factors explain why women dominate the sector:
- Labor-intensive production: Garment manufacturing relies on precision, repetition, and manual skill
- Rural-to-urban migration: Many women move from rural areas to factory zones in search of stable income
- Limited formal job alternatives: Factory work often offers more reliable earnings than informal rural employment
This concentration of female labor has effectively positioned women as the primary drivers of Cambodia’s export competitiveness.
As the saying goes:
“Cambodia’s export engine is powered by women, not just factories.”
Economic Importance of Female Employment in Manufacturing
Women’s employment in the garment and footwear industry delivers economic benefits that reach far beyond factory wages. Female workers play a vital role in sustaining families and stabilizing household incomes nationwide.
Key economic contributions include:
- Regular remittances sent to rural households
- Financial support for children’s education and healthcare
- Increased consumer spending in urban economies
- Poverty reduction in factory-linked communities
International research consistently shows that women’s participation in formal employment strengthens economic resilience, particularly in developing economies like Cambodia.
Social Impact: How Trade Growth Changes Lives
Women-led export growth has also driven meaningful social change. For many workers, factory employment represents their first opportunity for stable income and financial independence.
Positive social impacts include:
- Greater decision-making power within households
- Delayed early marriage due to improved economic security
- Better access to healthcare and social services
- Gradual shifts in traditional gender roles
Despite ongoing challenges, the garment sector has played a key role in integrating women into Cambodia’s formal economy at scale.
Government Reforms Supporting Trade and Employment
Cambodia’s trade expansion has been reinforced by targeted government reforms designed to improve competitiveness and facilitate exports. These initiatives indirectly support women workers by sustaining factory operations and attracting international buyers.
Key reform areas include:
- Simplified export procedures through digital platforms
- Enhanced trade capacity and logistics efficiency
- Product and market diversification strategies
- Vocational training and workforce development programs
According to the Ministry of Commerce, these reforms aim to ensure that trade growth remains inclusive and sustainable.
Challenges Facing Women in Cambodia’s Export Industries
Despite their central role in the export economy, women workers in Cambodia’s garment industry continue to face structural challenges.
Common issues include:
- Wage pressure amid rising living costs
- Limited pathways to higher-skilled or supervisory roles
- Dependence on overtime to maintain income levels
- Exposure to global demand fluctuations
Cambodia’s reliance on labor-intensive exports also raises concerns about long-term sustainability if productivity and skills development do not advance alongside growth.
The Future of Cambodia’s Trade: From Labor-Driven to Value-Driven Growth
Looking ahead, Cambodia’s next phase of trade development is likely to focus on moving up the value chain. This transition presents both opportunities and risks for women workers.
Future priorities may include:
- Skills upgrading and technical training
- Expanding women’s roles into leadership and technical positions
- Encouraging higher-value manufacturing activities
- Aligning trade growth with sustainability and ESG standards
If managed effectively, Cambodia could transform its female-dominated workforce from a cost advantage into a long-term competitive strength.
Conclusion: A Trade Success Built on Women’s Work
Cambodia’s US$65 billion trade milestone is more than an economic achievement—it is a story of people, resilience, and contribution. Women workers form the backbone of the garment and footwear sector, generating exports that support national growth and millions of livelihoods.
As Cambodia continues to reform its trade policies and diversify its economy, recognizing and investing in the women who power its exports will be essential. Sustainable trade growth will depend not only on policies and markets, but on the well-being, skills, and opportunities of the workforce behind the numbers.
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