Phnom Penh, Nov. 12, 2025 – Cambodian footwear exports have continued their strong upward trajectory, recording over $1.7 billion in export revenues during the first ten months of 2025 — a 30 percent increase compared with the same period last year, according to the Cambodia Footwear Association (CFA).
The impressive growth highlights Cambodia’s resilience and competitiveness in the global manufacturing landscape, even amid global market fluctuations. Footwear has now become one of the country’s most dynamic non-agricultural export sectors, contributing significantly to employment, investment, and GDP growth.
Record-Breaking Export Figures
In its November 11 newsletter, the CFA reported that between January and October 2025, Cambodia’s footwear exports reached $1.73 billion, up 30 percent year-on-year.
For October 2025 alone, exports were valued at $139.29 million, representing a 41.3 percent jump compared to September and an impressive 64.3 percent increase from October 2024.
“This upward trend is a positive indicator for the national economy, suggesting a robust and growing export sector,”
— Cambodia Footwear Association
In 2024, Cambodia exported $1.68 billion worth of footwear — itself a 23 percent rise over 2023 — but 2025 has already outpaced those numbers, confirming the Kingdom’s growing reputation as a reliable global manufacturing hub.
Key Export Markets and Global Demand
CFA President Ly Kunthai explained that the latest figures demonstrate Cambodia’s ability to maintain its foothold in major markets such as the United States, Canada, and the European Union, even as it expands into new destinations.
“The surge in export earnings reflects Cambodia’s ability to maintain its export markets while factory owners continue exploring new ones,” he said.
The United States remains the largest importer of Cambodian footwear, followed by the EU and Canada. The reduction of import tariffs on Cambodian goods entering the US market has also been a decisive factor, driving stronger orders and expanding Cambodia’s footprint among international buyers.
Investor Confidence and New Factory Expansion
CFA noted that this export momentum has encouraged fresh foreign direct investment (FDI) into Cambodia’s footwear manufacturing sector.
Based on current trends and the supporting factors mentioned above, we are optimistic that Cambodia’s footwear exports to international markets will continue to grow through the end of 2025,” said Kunthai.
“This growth will be driven by investor confidence, exploration of new markets, and the stability of both domestic and international economic policies.
He added that imports of raw materials are also increasing — a sign of strong orders and steady production activity across factories nationwide.
Customs Data Confirms Broader Trade Expansion
According to the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE), Cambodia’s total trade volume between January and October 2025 reached $52.58 billion, a 16.5 percent increase compared to $45.14 billion during the same period last year.
Exports rose 15.2 percent to $24.94 billion, while imports climbed 17.7 percent to $27.63 billion.
This broader trade performance provides a solid backdrop for the growth of Cambodian footwear exports, reflecting the country’s continued integration into regional and global value chains.
Quality Recognition and Global Brands
Cambodia’s footwear industry has gained international recognition for quality and reliability, with major global brands such as Adidas, VF Corporation, and Skechers producing footwear in Cambodian facilities.
CFA President Kunthai said these collaborations reflect global confidence in Cambodia’s workforce, manufacturing standards, and export performance.
Sources of Investment and New Developments
The main investors in Cambodia’s footwear manufacturing industry originate from China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and South Korea.
Kunthai revealed that several new factories have been registered and begun construction in 2025, further expanding the country’s production capacity. These investments are concentrated in Phnom Penh, Kampong Speu, Svay Rieng, and Bavet City — all of which have established strong supply chains and export infrastructure.
Positive Outlook Through the End of 2025
Industry experts project that Cambodian footwear exports could surpass $2 billion by year-end 2025 if current momentum continues.
Key drivers include:
- Growing global demand for affordable, high-quality footwear
- Tariff advantages in the US and EU markets
- Stable investment policies and skilled labour
- Diversification into new markets across Asia and Latin America
- Rising FDI in footwear and textile clusters
With Cambodia’s trade policies aligned toward export facilitation, the footwear industry remains one of the strongest pillars of its manufacturing growth.
