PHNOM PENH: Cambodia saw its international trade increase by more than one-fifth during the first seven months of the year, with imports and exports totalling more than US$44 billion, compared with the $36 billion recorded during the same period last year.
An Aug 10 report from the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE) showed that from January to July 2026, Cambodia’s total international merchandise trade was valued at $44.07 billion, up 21.3 per cent from $36.32 billion during the same period in 2025.
Exports were valued at $20.81 billion, up 21.3 per cent, while imports reached $23.25 billion, an increase of 21.4 per cent. The kingdom recorded a trade deficit of approximately $2.44 billion, up from $1.99 billion during the same period last year.
The country’s top 10 trading partners were China, the US, Vietnam, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Canada, Indonesia and Spain.
Economics professor Duch Darin told The Post on Aug 10 that growing international demand for Cambodian products, combined with the government and private sector’s efforts to improve the investment climate by making it more favourable and transparent, as well as Cambodia’s geopolitical potential and human resources, helped the kingdom attract more foreign direct investment and increased orders.
He added that the implementation of bilateral and multilateral free trade agreements (FTAs) has also created significant trade benefits.
“The increase in Cambodia’s international trade volume reflects the recovery of economic activity and international market demand,” he said.
“The growth in exports is driven by the garment sector, travel goods, agricultural products and the benefits gained from free trade agreements. At the same time, imports have also increased because Cambodia’s economy needs to import raw materials, machinery and fuel, among other things, to support production, investment and economic growth,” he added.
Lim Heng, Cambodia Chamber of Commerce vice-president, predicted that when the global political and economic situation improves, international trade will grow even further, as the kingdom now has bilateral and multilateral free trade agreements with numerous countries.
He explained that the government’s introduction of new policies and the development of supporting infrastructure, together with private-sector efforts to attract and encourage domestic and international investors, enabled Cambodia’s economy to achieve continued positive results.
“Cambodian products continue to maintain their competitive advantage in international markets. This is a source of pride,” he said.
In 2025, Cambodia’s total merchandise trade with all trading partners was $65.25 billion, up 17.66 per cent from $55.45 billion in 2024. Exports were valued at $31.28 billion, an increase of 16.95 per cent, while imports reached $33.96 billion, up 18.32 per cent, according to the GDCE. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
