Cambodia Rises to Third-Largest Apparel Supplier to Japan
Cambodia became Japan’s third-largest apparel supplier in the first quarter of 2025, up from fifth in 2022. Japan imported USD 433.63 million worth of apparel from Cambodia during this period, a 24.06% YoY increase, accounting for 7.23% of its total apparel imports.
This development coincides with ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral ties through the Cambodia–Japan Economic Co-Creation Package. For the first five months of 2025, total trade between the two countries reached USD 1.02 billion, up 28% compared to the same period in 2024. Cambodian exports to Japan were valued at USD 635 million (+19.2%), while imports from Japan rose to USD 388 million, making a 45.6% YoY increase. Cambodia’s key exports to Japan include garments, bags, footwear, furniture, cosmetics, paper and office supplies, and leather goods. Imports from Japan mainly comprise machinery, automobiles, electronics, furniture, fabrics, and plastics.
Tyre and Rubber Output Exports
Cambodia exported USD 437 million worth of car tyres in the first four months of 2025, a 76% increase from the same period last year, supported by continued investment in tyre manufacturing.
As of early 2025, there are six tyre production projects located in various special economic zones across the country. Among them is the Wanli Tire project, a USD 500 million investment by a Chinese firm. The facility, now under construction in the SIN Bavet Special Economic Zone in Svay Rieng province, spans approximately 32 hectares and is expected to generate around 1,000 jobs once operational.
Cambodia’s rubber outputs and processed rubber goods continue to support both domestic processing and export markets. In the first quarter of 2025, the country exported over USD 754 million worth of rubber and rubber products, representing a 51.8% YoY increase.
As of the end of 2024, Cambodia’s rubber plantation area stood at over 420,000 hectares, with 330,000 hectares under active harvest.
Source:
• Cambodia now third largest apparel supplier to Japan | Khmer Times (khmertimeskh.com)
• Car tyre exports surge by 76 percent | Khmer Times (khmertimeskh.com)