Cambodian foreign trade surges twenty percent

By the Editorial Team · Friday, September 11, 2026

Cambodia’s foreign trade surged by 20 percent in the first eight months of 2026, with exports reaching $24.16 billion and imports totaling $26.52 billion. This growth is largely driven by the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and bilateral free trade agreements, which have expanded market access and strengthened economic ties with key partners like China, the United States, and Vietnam.

Cambodia’s foreign trade surged by 20 percent in the first eight months of 2026, reaching a total volume of approximately $50.68 billion, according to data released Thursday by the General Department of Customs and Excise.

The report showed that exports from the country increased by 19.7 percent year-on-year to $24.16 billion between January and August. Imports rose by 20.7 percent over the same period, totaling $26.52 billion. China, the United States, Vietnam, Japan, and Thailand remained Cambodia’s top five trading partners during this timeframe.

Key export products included garments, footwear, travel goods, bicycles, dry rubber, milled rice, bananas, cashew nuts, mangoes, longans, and durians. On the import side, Cambodia primarily brought in raw materials used in the manufacturing of garments, footwear, and travel goods, alongside petroleum, construction materials, automobiles, motorcycles, electronics, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

Penn Sovicheat, secretary of state and spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, attributed the robust trade performance to the benefits of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement, as well as Cambodia’s bilateral free trade agreements with China, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates. These trade frameworks have enhanced market access and facilitated stronger economic ties for the kingdom, supporting continued growth in both exports and imports.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.