PHNOM PENH: Textile, garment, and footwear exports were in positive growth early this year after a significant decline in 2023, while the exports of electrical equipment and machinery showed a significant decline.

Cambodia’s exports from the garment, textile, and footwear sector totaled nearly US$826 million in January 2024, an increase of 24 percent or US$161 million compared to the same period in 2023, which was more than US$665 million, said a report of the General Department of Customs and Excise.

At the same time, the exports of machinery and electrical appliances to international markets saw a year-on-year decrease by 42 percent to US$134 million, the source underlined.

According to the report, Cambodia’s total exports in January 2024 reached almost US$1.96 billion, up 27 percent compared to January 2023.

The garment, footwear, and travel goods industry is the biggest foreign exchange earner for the Southeast Asian country.

The sector consists of roughly 1,300 factories and branches, employing approximately 840,000 workers, mostly female, pointed out the Ministry of Labour.