A joint statement by the leading industry bodies of Cambodia states, over 15,000 workers in Cambodia are likely to be jobless as about 400 garments, footwear and travel goods factories in the country have suspended their operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The statement was released by associations like Garment Manufacturers Association in Cambodia, the Cambodia Footwear Association and the European Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia.

Statement says, numerous brands and retailers in Europe and North America have canceled or delayed orders due to the drop in retail sales in Europe from the pandemic. Consequently, millions of Cambodians could fall back into poverty due to this crisis as unemployed workers only receive a stipend of $30 from the factory and $40 from the government per month. The statement therefore, urged the European Union to postpone the effective date of partial withdrawal of Cambodia's Everything But Arms (EBA) trade benefits for a year due to the pandemic in Cambodia.