TCF POST Analysis
PHNOM PENH — Cambodia’s export landscape is undergoing a significant transformation. While the apparel and textile sector remains a vital pillar of the national economy, its share in the total export basket has shifted, signaling a broader, healthier diversification of the country’s industrial base.
The Numbers Behind the Shift
Despite a dip in total export share, the apparel and textile sector has not contracted. On the contrary, the industry continues to demonstrate encouraging growth in absolute value. The sector’s total export contribution rose from $12,296 million in H1 2024 to $17,079 million by H1 2026.
The decline in overall export share—from a peak of 38.0% in H1 2025 to 33.8% in H1 2026—is instead a reflection of aggressive, faster-paced expansion in other emerging sectors of the Cambodian economy.
Category Performance: A Mixed Landscape
The performance of key textile categories (Chapters 61, 62, and 63) provides a nuanced look at the sector’s internal dynamics:
| Category | H1 2024 Value | H1 2025 Value | H1 2026 Value |
| Knitted Apparel (Ch. 61) | $2,799.84M | $3,442.81M | $3,563.64M |
| Non-Knitted Apparel (Ch. 62) | $1,530.54M | $1,841.24M | $1,985.88M |
| Other Textiles (Ch. 63) | $102.21M | $140.64M | $215.03M |
Data in USD
Knitted and Non-Knitted Apparel
Knitted apparel remains the country’s largest export category, though its growth has moderated from a 23.0% surge between 2024 and 2025 to a 3.5% increase in 2026. Similarly, the non-knitted apparel sector has maintained steady, consistent growth, with export values rising to $1,985.88 million in H1 2026, even as its share of total exports saw a slight adjustment to 11.6%.
The Rise of Niche Textiles
Exceptional momentum is taking place within the “Other Textiles” (Chapter 63) category. Building on a 36.8% increase in 2024, this segment saw its export value jump by 52.9% in H1 2026. Its rising market share—climbing from 0.8% in 2024 to 1.3% in 2026—underscores a strategic pivot toward high-growth, specialized textile products.
A Fresh Journey to the Future
Analysis of the data suggests that Cambodia is transitioning toward an ambitious and sustainable trade and economic model. By balancing the continued output of its foundational apparel industry with the rapid development of new sectors, the nation is building a more resilient and diversified export portfolio for the long term.
