Editor’s Note
This article highlights the promising growth of Cambodia’s jewelry sector, fueled by its blend of craftsmanship and innovation. However, it also underscores a significant challenge: a 19% U.S. tariff that could impact the industry’s global competitiveness and future expansion.
Driven by both traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation, Cambodia’s jewelry industry is experiencing significant growth. This has not only attracted widespread international attention but also prompted foreign brands and investors to set up factories locally. Cambodian jewelry products are gradually gaining prominence on the global stage. In the first four months of 2025, Cambodia’s trade volume of jewelry and gemstones has already exceeded $244 million, releasing a positive signal for the industry’s growth prospects. Chhay Sinat, President of the Cambodia Jewelry Federation, shared insights on the industry’s development status, challenges, and prospects in an interview.
Cambodia has its own gold manufacturing industry, with some products meeting domestic demand and some for export. The active gold trading market benefits many gold jewelry holders, who can quickly liquidate their assets by selling gold. High-value gold helps them cope with daily expenses to a certain extent.
The US tariff is a major challenge for Cambodia’s jewelry exports. Although the tariff has been reduced to 19%, it is still higher than last year’s rate of 0% to 5.5%. This directly leads to higher commodity prices, damaging the price competitiveness of Cambodian jewelry compared to products from countries with lower or zero tariffs.
Tourism brings considerable revenue to Cambodia’s jewelry market. Among the millions of tourists visiting annually, those from Europe, North America, and East Asia show strong interest in Cambodian jewelry. These pieces often feature unique designs and incorporate local gemstones such as agate and sapphire. Traditional styles inspired by Angkor art and Khmer cultural heritage are particularly eye-catching. The hosting of the “International Jewelry Exhibition” not only attracts more international tourists but also allows the outside world to witness firsthand the progress and profound cultural heritage of Cambodia’s jewelry industry.
Regarding the constraints on large-scale gemstone mining, Chhay Sinat stated that Cambodia faces many obstacles in this area, including a lack of mining technology, weak infrastructure in resource-rich regions, and environmental issues. Furthermore, many mining activities are small-scale and operate informally. Coupled with insufficient investment and support from both the private and public sectors, as well as a lack of strategic policy guidance and funding guarantees, the development of the potentially huge gemstone mining industry has stagnated.
Looking to the future, Chhay Sinat is optimistic about the prospects of Cambodia’s gemstone and jewelry industry. He believes that as long as the industry continues to modernize while preserving its cultural characteristics, and invests in technology and artisan training, it has the potential to achieve greater breakthroughs in the international market. Particularly by leveraging Cambodia’s unique colored gemstones, combined with distinctive craftsmanship and designs that inherit tradition, the country has the full potential to become a uniquely recognized player in the global jewelry market.
