Cambodia’s reliance on imported textile and fabric to fuel its garment exports is benefitting neighboring countries like Thailand whose exports are likely to grow by 15 per cent this year. As per Thai Garment Manufacturers Association, the Thai fabric industry has now catapulted back to full capacity. The industry exported garments worth 64.8 billion baht and textiles worth 188.6 billion baht in the first 11 months of2021.

Thai textile exports were boosted by demand from apparel-producing territories such as Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, India, Europe and the US garment factories. Yuttana Silparnvitch, President, Thai Garment Manufacturers Association says, demand for Thai garments and textiles were being driven by the trend for environmentally friendly products.

Major brands are ordering products made from recycled fibers, organic cotton and other eco-friendly materials to satisfy customer demand. These items cost about 20 per cent more than regular clothes, he said. Kang Monika, Deputy Secretary General, Garment Manufacturing Association in Cambodia says, Thailand is one of the main raw material suppliers for the Cambodian garment sector. When there is a high demand from the Cambodian market it increases garment supply from Thailand.