Cambodia sees rise in trade with U.S.

PHNOM PENH (Xinhua) -- Bilateral trade between Cambodia and the United States was valued at 3.17 billion U.S. dollars in 2014, a 5 percent rise from 3.01 billion U.S. dollars in 2013, the figures of the U.S. Department of Commerce showed Friday.

Cambodia's exports to the U.S. increased by 2.6 percent to 2.84 billion U.S. dollars last year, while the country's imports from the U.S. rose by 36 percent to 328 million U.S. dollars.

The U.S. is Cambodia's largest export destination. Main products Cambodia sold to the U.S. are garments and footwear, and agricultural products. In return, the country imports vehicles, machinery and medical equipment and supplies.

"Despite the increase in the export, Cambodia's garment sales to the U.S. declined around 3 percent last year due to illegal strikes that disrupted productions," said Kaing Monika, deputy secretary general of the Garment Manufacturers Association of Cambodia (GMAC).

At least 436 garment strikes for higher wages and better labor conditions took place in Cambodia last year, according to GMAC.