Data released by Cambodia’s General Department of Customs and Excise shows, the country’s apparel exports in Q1 FY21 declined 6.43 per cent to $1.775 billion compared to $1.897 billion exports during the corresponding period of last year. As per Textile Today, Cambodia exported garments worth $7.420 billion in 2020, a 10.24 per cent decline over previous year’s exports. To boost exports, the Cambodian government has announced eight rounds of financial support programs.

According to these programs, the government will provide $40 per month to each worker, while factory owners will pay an additional $30, taking workers’ total monthly pay to $70. One of the reasons for the decline in Cambodia’s exports was a decline in international demand. However, the country hopes to increase exports in the second quarter with opening of lockdowns in the US, UK and other European countries. The Asian Development Bank forecasts the Cambodian economy will grow 4 per cent this year and 5.5 per cent in 2022, as the economic recovery in major trading partners boosts demand for Cambodia’s exports.