According to statistics released recently by the Cambodian Ministry of Commerce, Cambodian textile, clothing and shoes exports totaled $4.76 billion in the first 10 months of this year, an increase of 24% over the same period last year.
The report points out that Cambodia's textiles, clothing and shoes are mainly exported to the EU, the United States and some Asian countries, of which 50% are exported to the EU, 47% are exported to the United States, and the rest are exported to the Asian market.
In October alone, Cambodia's exports of textiles, clothing and shoes totaled $537 million, an increase of 40% over the same period last year, the report said.
A person in charge of the Cambodian Garment Manufacturers'Association said that Cambodian textile and clothing and shoes exports maintained a strong growth momentum, driven by the preferential tariff-free treatment given by the European Union.
Clothing industry is Cambodia's main foreign exchange earning industry, accounting for about 80% of Cambodia's total exports. In addition to the US and European markets, Cambodian garments are also exported to Asian countries such as China, Korea and Japan.
It is reported that there are 450 garment factories, 120 contract factories and 45 shoe factories in Cambodia. These garment and shoe factories provide 600,000 jobs for the Cambodian people and generate 40 million US dollars in annual income.