Royal Group Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone and Royal Group Kandal Special Economic Zone recorded strong growth in employment, imports and exports during the first eight months of 2026, highlighting the expanding role of special economic zones in Cambodia's manufacturing and international trade.
From January through August 2026, combined exports from the two Special Economic Zones reached $1.907 billion, up from $1.311 billion during the same period in 2025, representing a 45% increase.
Combined imports reached $2.16 billion during the first eight months of 2026, compared with the corresponding figure reported in the source for 2025, representing a 61% increase.
Employment also expanded significantly.
As of August 2026, the two SEZs employed 63,344 workers, compared with 54,195 workers in August 2025, an increase of 17%.
The figures were highlighted by Royal Group Phnom Penh SEZ Plc, the developer and operator of both Royal Group Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone (RGPPSEZ) and Royal Group Kandal Special Economic Zone (RGKSEZ).
Exports Rise 45% to $1.907 Billion
The combined export value of the two SEZs increased by approximately $596 million year on year during the first eight months.
| Indicator | Jan-Aug 2025 | Jan-Aug 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exports | $1.311 billion | $1.907 billion | +45% |
| Employment in August | 54,195 | 63,344 | +17% |
| Imports | Source reports $1.342 million* | $2.16 billion | +61% |
*The supplied source reports the 2025 import figure as $1.342 million, while describing the year-on-year increase as 61% and later referring to more than $4 billion in combined import-export activity. The figure therefore appears internally inconsistent in the source and should be verified against the company's original data before publication as a historical comparative figure.
The export growth reflects expanding manufacturing activity and increased operations by enterprises located within the two economic zones.
It also indicates a growing role for companies operating inside the zones in Cambodia's participation in regional and global supply chains.
Employment Reaches 63,344 Workers
Employment across the two SEZs reached 63,344 workers by August 2026, compared with 54,195 workers a year earlier.
That represents an increase of 9,149 jobs, or approximately 17%.
The employment growth provides an important indicator of expanding industrial activity within the zones.
For Cambodia, SEZ employment is particularly significant because industrial parks can connect foreign and domestic investment with manufacturing jobs and supporting business services.
The continued increase also suggests that enterprises operating within the two zones expanded their workforce during the period.
Imports Also Increase
Combined imports reached $2.16 billion during the first eight months of 2026, according to the source.
The increase in imports occurred alongside the strong rise in exports.
For manufacturing-oriented SEZs, import growth can be associated with the movement of production inputs, equipment, machinery and other materials required by businesses operating inside the zones. However, the supplied source does not provide a breakdown of the imported products, so the composition of the increase cannot be determined from the announcement alone.
Together, the reported import and export figures show the scale of cross-border trade associated with the two SEZs.
Manufacturing Activity Drives Trade Growth
The continued increase in employment, imports and exports reflects the expansion of manufacturing activities and the growing operations of enterprises located within the two Special Economic Zones.
The source also links the strong export performance to the contribution of manufacturers within the zones to Cambodia's international trade and integration into regional and global supply chains.
This is an important function of SEZs.
Beyond providing industrial land and infrastructure, SEZs can serve as platforms where manufacturers establish production operations, connect with suppliers and export products to international markets.
For Cambodia, the development of these industrial clusters forms part of the broader effort to expand manufacturing activity and diversify economic activity.
Kith Meng Highlights Investor Resilience
Neak Oknha Kith Meng, Chairman of Royal Group of Companies and Royal Group Phnom Penh SEZ Plc, said the continued growth demonstrated the resilience of investors and the strength of Cambodia's manufacturing sector.
“The continued growth in employment, imports and exports at RGPPS EZ and RGKSEZ demonstrates the resilience of our investors and the strength of Cambodia’s manufacturing sector.”
He also said enterprises within the SEZs continued to expand their operations and contribute to job creation and economic activity.
Royal Group said it remains committed to supporting investors through infrastructure, services and a business environment intended to enable sustainable growth.
More Than $4 Billion in Reported Trade Activity
The combined import and export figures for the two SEZs amount to more than $4 billion during the first eight months of 2026 when the reported 2026 figures are combined.
That includes:
- $1.907 billion in exports
- $2.16 billion in imports
- $4.067 billion in combined reported trade flows
The figure illustrates the scale of activity associated with the two SEZs, although imports and exports represent trade flows rather than the same thing as investment value or economic value added.
The distinction is important when assessing the broader economic contribution of an industrial zone.
Employment Growth Adds to Industrial Development
The increase to 63,344 workers is another significant indicator.
The 17% year-on-year employment increase means the two SEZs added more than 9,000 workers compared with August 2025.
For Cambodia's industrial development, the expansion of employment within SEZs can have broader effects through household incomes, supporting services, transportation, accommodation, food businesses and other activities surrounding industrial areas.
The source does not provide a breakdown of workers by nationality, industry, wage level or individual company, so the employment figures should be understood as the combined workforce reported for the two zones.
Royal Group Praises Government Support
Royal Group Phnom Penh SEZ also expressed appreciation for the continued leadership and support of the Royal Government of Cambodia under Prime Minister Hun Manet.
The company cited government efforts related to:
- Strengthening the investment environment
- Infrastructure development
- Industrialisation
- Business security
- Combating online scams
The company also referred to the International Conference on Combating Online Scams held in Phnom Penh on September 23 and 24, 2026, describing efforts to strengthen security and international cooperation as relevant to Cambodia's reputation as an investment destination.
These statements represent the company's assessment of the investment environment and should be distinguished from independently measured economic outcomes.
Why SEZs Matter to Cambodia's Manufacturing Strategy
Special Economic Zones play an important role in Cambodia's industrial development by providing locations where manufacturers can establish production facilities and connect with infrastructure, logistics and business services.
The growth recorded by RGPPSEZ and RGKSEZ illustrates how industrial zones can support three areas simultaneously:
1. Employment
More companies and expanded production can generate additional industrial jobs.
2. International trade
Manufacturers operating within SEZs can import production inputs and export finished products to international markets.
3. Investment
Industrial zones can provide infrastructure and services intended to make it easier for investors to establish and expand manufacturing operations.
The combination of these factors makes SEZ performance an important indicator of Cambodia's industrial development.
Angkor Times Analysis
The first eight months of 2026 show a clear expansion in the reported scale of activity at Royal Group Phnom Penh SEZ and Royal Group Kandal SEZ.
Exports rose 45% to $1.907 billion, while employment increased 17% to 63,344 workers.
The reported $2.16 billion in imports also indicates substantial cross-border activity connected with enterprises operating within the zones.
The most important point, however, is the relationship between these three indicators.
Exports show market reach. Employment shows industrial activity. Imports show the scale of inputs and goods moving through the manufacturing ecosystem.
Taken together, the figures indicate that the two SEZs are operating at a significantly larger scale than a year earlier.
For Cambodia's broader industrial strategy, the next question is not simply whether trade volumes continue to grow. It is whether the growth translates into higher-value manufacturing, stronger domestic supplier networks, technology transfer, better-skilled employment and greater diversification of exports.
The supplied source does not provide enough information to measure those outcomes yet.
It also does not identify the specific industries responsible for the increase, the number of companies operating in each zone, individual export products or the share of exports going to particular markets.
Those details would be necessary to determine whether the growth represents mainly higher production volumes or a deeper structural shift toward more sophisticated manufacturing.
Nevertheless, the employment figure provides an important signal.
An additional 9,149 workers compared with August 2025 means the expansion is not limited to trade statistics. More people are working within the two industrial zones, suggesting that enterprise activity has expanded sufficiently to require additional labour.
For investors, the development of large industrial clusters can also create opportunities beyond manufacturing itself, including logistics, warehousing, industrial services, worker accommodation, food services, transportation and business support.
The performance of the two Royal Group SEZs therefore provides a useful snapshot of Cambodia's continuing effort to build an export-oriented manufacturing base.
Key Takeaways
- $1.907 billion: Combined exports from RGPPSEZ and RGKSEZ in January-August 2026.
- 45%: Year-on-year export growth.
- $2.16 billion: Combined imports reported for the first eight months of 2026.
- 61%: Reported year-on-year import growth.
- 63,344: Workers employed across both SEZs as of August 2026.
- 17%: Year-on-year employment growth.
- 9,149: Approximate increase in workers compared with August 2025.
- $4.067 billion: Combined 2026 import and export value based on the reported figures.
- Manufacturing: The main activity associated with the growth reported by the company.
- Global supply chains: The zones continue to support manufacturers involved in international trade.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did the two Royal Group SEZs export in the first eight months of 2026?
The Royal Group Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone and Royal Group Kandal Special Economic Zone recorded combined exports of $1.907 billion from January through August 2026, up 45% from $1.311 billion in the same period of 2025.
How many workers are employed in the two SEZs?
As of August 2026, the two zones employed 63,344 workers, compared with 54,195 workers in August 2025.
How much did employment increase?
Employment increased by 9,149 workers, representing a reported 17% year-on-year increase.
How much did the two SEZs import?
The source reports combined imports of $2.16 billion during January-August 2026, representing a 61% increase.
What industries are responsible for the growth?
The supplied source describes the increase as reflecting expanding manufacturing activities and growing operations by enterprises in the two SEZs. It does not provide a detailed industry-by-industry breakdown.
What is the role of SEZs in Cambodia?
SEZs provide industrial locations and infrastructure for businesses and manufacturers. They can support investment, employment, manufacturing activity and international trade.
What is the combined import and export value reported for 2026?
The reported figures of $1.907 billion in exports and $2.16 billion in imports produce a combined trade flow of approximately $4.067 billion for the first eight months of 2026.