Cambodia’s trade with Malaysia surpassed $1 billion in the first eight months of 2026, rising 55.5% from the same period last year, as both exports and imports recorded strong growth despite Cambodia continuing to run a substantial trade deficit with its ASEAN partner.
According to customs data, Cambodia’s exports to Malaysia increased 71.8% to $151 million between January and August, while imports from Malaysia rose 53% to $921 million. The figures mean Malaysian goods entering Cambodia were worth roughly six times Cambodia’s exports to Malaysia.
Key Facts
| Indicator | Jan to Aug 2026 |
|---|---|
| Total bilateral trade | More than $1 billion |
| Trade growth | 55.5% |
| Cambodia’s exports to Malaysia | $151 million |
| Export growth | 71.8% |
| Cambodia’s imports from Malaysia | $921 million |
| Import growth | 53% |
| Approximate trade gap | $770 million |
| Malaysia’s ranking among Cambodia’s trading partners | 7th |
Bilateral Trade Gains Momentum
The latest figures point to a significant acceleration in Cambodia Malaysia commercial activity.
Total bilateral trade increased by more than half compared with the first eight months of 2025, while Cambodia’s exports grew even faster than imports in percentage terms.
However, the overall trade structure remains heavily weighted toward imports. Cambodia imported approximately $921 million worth of Malaysian goods while exporting about $151 million, leaving a trade gap of roughly $770 million during the eight month period.
This imbalance means the headline growth in bilateral trade should be viewed alongside the underlying composition of trade.
Cambodia’s Exports to Malaysia Rise 71.8%
Cambodian exports to Malaysia reached $151 million, representing a 71.8% increase compared with the same period last year.
The sharp increase suggests stronger demand for Cambodian products in the Malaysian market, although the source does not provide a detailed breakdown of the products responsible for the growth.
Greater export performance could become increasingly important as Cambodia seeks to diversify its export markets and develop higher value manufacturing and agricultural production.
Malaysian Imports Remain Much Larger
Imports from Malaysia reached $921 million, increasing 53% year on year.
The resulting import value was approximately six times Cambodia’s exports to Malaysia.
Malaysia's position as a major source of goods for the Cambodian market contributes significantly to the overall bilateral trade relationship and highlights the scale of commercial links between the two economies.
Malaysia Ranks Seventh Among Cambodia’s Trading Partners
Malaysia was Cambodia’s seventh largest trading partner, behind China, the United States, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan and Singapore.
Its position among Cambodia’s leading trading partners underlines the importance of the relationship within Cambodia’s wider ASEAN and international trade network.
The rapid growth recorded during the first eight months could further strengthen Malaysia’s position if the trend continues through the remainder of the year.
Trade Reached $1.1 Billion in 2025
The latest increase follows strong bilateral trade in 2025.
According to Cambodia’s Ministry of Commerce, full year trade between Cambodia and Malaysia reached approximately $1.1 billion in 2025, representing a 24.66% increase from 2024.
Cambodia’s exports to Malaysia declined slightly in 2025, while imports increased by more than 30%.
The stronger performance recorded during the first eight months of 2026 therefore represents a further acceleration in bilateral trade compared with the previous year's growth.
Investment Climate Could Support Further Expansion
Cambodia Chamber of Commerce President Kith Meng attributed the trade expansion partly to broader business cooperation and pointed to Cambodia’s investment climate as a factor attracting foreign investors.
His comments come as Cambodia seeks to diversify economic activity and attract investment into higher value industries.
The government is also preparing for Cambodia’s scheduled graduation from Least Developed Country status in 2029, when some preferential trade arrangements are expected to change.
That transition increases the importance of improving competitiveness, expanding export markets and moving toward higher value production.
What the Trade Figures Mean for Cambodia?
The latest data show both opportunity and challenge.
The 55.5% growth in bilateral trade indicates stronger economic engagement with Malaysia, while the 71.8% increase in Cambodian exports is a positive sign for export diversification.
At the same time, the approximately $770 million trade gap shows that Cambodia remains significantly more dependent on Malaysian imports than Malaysian demand for Cambodian products.
For Cambodia, sustaining export growth while attracting investment into production that can serve both domestic and international markets could help create a more balanced commercial relationship over time.
Angkor Times Analysis
The most encouraging figure is Cambodia’s 71.8% export growth, which significantly outpaced overall bilateral trade growth. If sustained, stronger exports could help Cambodian businesses capture more value from the Malaysia market.
But the trade deficit remains substantial. With imports at $921 million compared with $151 million in exports, the relationship is still primarily import driven from Cambodia’s perspective.
This makes investment particularly important. Malaysian companies expanding production in Cambodia could potentially strengthen local manufacturing capacity, create supply chain opportunities and support exports, helping Cambodia address some of the structural challenges highlighted by its upcoming LDC graduation.
What Happens Next?
The key question will be whether the strong growth recorded through August continues through the final four months of 2026.
Cambodia will also need to determine whether the rapid increase in exports can be sustained while encouraging more investment in higher value production.
If both trade and investment continue expanding, Malaysia could become an increasingly important partner in Cambodia’s effort to diversify markets and strengthen its post LDC graduation economic position.
FAQs
How much did Cambodia trade with Malaysia in the first eight months of 2026?
Bilateral trade surpassed $1 billion from January through August 2026.
How fast did Cambodia Malaysia trade grow?
Trade increased 55.5% compared with the same period in 2025.
How much did Cambodia export to Malaysia?
Cambodian exports reached $151 million, up 71.8%.
How much did Cambodia import from Malaysia?
Imports from Malaysia reached $921 million, up 53%.
Does Cambodia have a trade deficit with Malaysia?
Yes. Based on the reported figures, Cambodia's trade deficit was approximately $770 million during the first eight months of 2026.
Where does Malaysia rank among Cambodia’s trading partners?
Malaysia was Cambodia’s seventh largest trading partner during the period covered by the report.
How much was Cambodia Malaysia trade in 2025?
Full year bilateral trade reached approximately $1.1 billion, up 24.66% from 2024.
Why is Malaysia important to Cambodia’s trade strategy?
Malaysia is a major ASEAN trading partner and an established source of investment and goods for Cambodia. Stronger economic ties could support Cambodia’s efforts to diversify markets and attract higher value investment.