Fashion
Cambodian unions demand $232 minimum wage for textile workers in 2026
“This is not merely a request, it is an urgent necessity grounded in the real costs of survival for Cambodian workers and the demonstrated economic capacity of the country,” the organisations said in a joint press statement.
Cambodian trade unions and civil society groups are urging a rise in the 2026 minimum wage to $232, citing widening gaps between wages and living costs.
Studies show workers spend nearly double their income on essentials, with many trapped in debt.
While below the living wage, unions call the demand reasonable and vital.
The statement is backed by 27 organisations.
The demand highlighted the stark gap between wages and the cost of living. The Asia Floor Wage Alliance’s 2024 Consumption Survey found that workers spend an average of $408 per month on food and non-food needs, nearly double their income. As per research by the Anker Institute estimated Cambodia’s urban living wage at $232 per month in 2024, with households needing $417 to secure a decent standard of living. CNV Internationaal’s 2024 Fair Work Monitor finds a 41 per cent gap between average earnings and living costs, driving 73 per cent of workers into debt just to survive.
The signatories stressed that persistent wage-expenditure gap pushes workers further into debt, traps them in poverty, and forces them to compromise on food, healthcare, and education. They stated that it is unacceptable that the backbone of Cambodia’s economy—the garment and footwear workers—are denied the most basic conditions for a dignified life while the sector continues to attract global investment and deliver profits for brands and employers.
While research confirms that household expenses continue to surpass workers’ incomes, unions have put forward what they describe as a fair and balanced demand for 2026. They acknowledged that a minimum wage of $232 still falls short of covering the full cost of living, yet stress that it represents the essential adjustment required for the coming year.
“We call on the National Minimum Wage Council, the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, the Royal Government of Cambodia, and employers’ associations to recognise these undeniable realities and approve a new minimum wage of at least $232 for 2026,” added the statement.
The joint call has been endorsed by 27 organisations, including the Cambodian Alliance of Trade Unions (CATU), Free Trade Union of Workers of the Kingdom of Cambodia (FTUWKC), Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights (LICADHO), Clean Clothes Campaign (Netherlands), Labour Behind the Label (UK), and Maquila Solidarity Network (Canada).
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
The ColorJet Pavilion at ITMA Asia + CITME Singapore was inaugurated by Shri Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. The event was graced by the presence of the Ambassador of India to Singapore, Dr. Shilpak Ambule along with several distinguished dignitaries and industry leaders.
Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, inaugurated the ColorJet Pavilion at ITMA Asia Singapore 2025, joined by Indian ambassador Dr. Shilpak Ambule.
He praised India’s textile innovation and ColorJet’s role in sustainability and technology.
ColorJet launched the Fabjet Pro, a wide-format digital printer showcasing eco-conscious, high-performance solutions.
During the inauguration ceremony, Shri Rohit Kansal and other dignitaries delivered impactful speeches highlighting the importance of Indian technology and sustainable practices in textile printing.
During his visit, “Shri Rohit Kansal applauded the remarkable progress of the Indian textile ecosystem, highlighting how the industry has evolved to make a strong mark globally. He emphasized India’s growing contributions across the textile value chain—from spinning and processing to digital printing- reflecting the nation’s technological strength and innovation-driven growth.”
He also commended ColorJet for its outstanding contribution to the Indian textile industry, recognizing the company’s continuous efforts toward advancing technology, promoting sustainability, and positioning India as a leader in digital textile innovation.
“It was an absolute honor to have Shri Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, inaugurate the ColorJet Pavilion at ITMA Asia Singapore. His visit and words of encouragement reaffirm our commitment to driving innovation, sustainability, and technological excellence in the textile printing industry. At ColorJet, we take immense pride in representing Indian technology on such a global platform and showcasing how ‘Make in India’ solutions are setting new benchmarks in performance and environmental responsibility” Said Mr. Arun Varshney, Vice President and Business head ColorJet Group
At the event, ColorJet unveiled its latest innovation — the Fabjet Pro, a wide-format digital textile printer that exemplifies the company’s dedication to sustainability, advanced technology, and wider-width productivity. The launch reinforces ColorJet’s vision to deliver eco-conscious, high-performance printing solutions that cater to the evolving needs of the global textile industry.
Visit ColorJet at ITMA Asia Singapore 2025 – Booth H6-D304, Hall 6 | October 28–31, 2025 – to experience live demonstrations, technological innovations, and sustainable textile printing solutions in action.
Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)
In ****, the average export price stood at $**.** per kg, compared to $**.** per kg in **** and $**.** per kg in ****, according to *fashion.com/market-intelligence/texpro-textile-and-apparel/” target=”_blank”>sourcing intelligence tool TexPro. This consistent rise reflects the industry’s ongoing move towards value-added garments such as sportswear, uniforms, and functional apparel, backed by growing investments in automation, digital printing, and sustainable production practices.
According to *fashion.com/market-intelligence/texpro-textile-and-apparel/” target=”_blank”>TexPro, the Philippines exported apparel worth $***.*** million during January–July ****, compared to $***.*** million in **** and $***.*** million in ****, marking a two-year contraction from $***.*** million in ****. The decline in shipment values mirrors global demand weakness, tighter inventory management by Western retailers, and a continued shift of basic apparel sourcing to lower-cost ASEAN and South Asian producers.
“Maria Grazia Chiuri is one of the greatest creative talents in fashion today, and I am delighted that she has chosen to return to Fendi to continue expressing her creativity within the LVMH group, after sharing her bold vision of fashion. Surrounded by the Fendi teams and in a city that is dear to her, I am convinced that Maria Grazia will contribute to the artistic renewal and future success of the Maison, while perpetuating its unique heritage,” says Bernard Arnault, Chairman and CEO of LVMH Group.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Maria Grazia into the team. The role of a creative director is no longer to simply design beautiful clothes but to curate a culture and hold a mirror to the world we live in. Her talent and vision will be instrumental in fortifying FENDI’s heritage, shaping the future talent in the house and deepening our commitment to Italian craftsmanship,” states Ramon Ros, FENDI’s Chairman and CEO.
Fendi has appointed Maria Grazia Chiuri as its new chief creative officer.
Returning to the Maison where she began her career, Chiuri will lead its artistic direction while strengthening Italian craftsmanship.
Bernard Arnault and Ramon Ros praised her vision and cultural influence.
Chiuri’s debut collection for Fendi, Fall/Winter 2026–2027, will be presented in Milan next February.
“I return to FENDI with honour and joy, having had the privilege of beginning my career under the guidance of the House’s founders, the five sisters. FENDI has always been a forge of talents and a starting point for many creatives in the industry, thanks to the extraordinary ability of these five women to foster and nurture generations of vision and skill.
I am grateful to Mr. Arnault for entrusting me with the task of helping to write a new chapter in the history of this extraordinary women-founded company,” states Maria Grazia Chiuri, FENDI’s Chief Creative Officer.
Maria Grazia will present her first collection, FENDI Fall/Winter 2026-2027, in Milan next February
Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RM)
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