Cambodia Exports to U.S. Jump Nearly 40% in First Quarter

Cambodia Exports to U.S. Jump Nearly 40% in First Quarter

PHNOM PENH, April 21, 2026 — Cambodia’s exports to the United States rose nearly 40% in the first quarter of 2026, customs data showed, underscoring the resilience of the Southeast Asian country’s manufacturing sector despite new U.S. tariff measures.

Shipments to the United States reached US$3.35 billion in the January-March period, up 38.4% from a year earlier, according to the General Department of Customs and Excise.

Total two-way trade between Cambodia and the United States stood at US$3.48 billion, with U.S. exports to Cambodia rising 67.9% to about US$126 million.

The United States remains Cambodia’s largest export market, particularly for garments, footwear, travel goods, bicycles and other light manufactured products.

Cambodia has increasingly sought to diversify markets through free trade agreements with China, South Korea and regional partners, while also trying to attract fresh foreign investment into export manufacturing.

Analysts say Cambodia’s competitive labour costs and strategic location in ASEAN continue to draw investors relocating supply chains from higher-cost markets.

However, business leaders warned that rising wages, logistics costs and competition from countries such as Bangladesh could pressure Cambodia’s export advantage.

Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol has previously said Phnom Penh hoped any future U.S. tariff review would keep duties on Cambodian products below 19%.

The strong first-quarter figures come as Cambodia targets higher industrial output and sustained export growth in 2026.