Cambodia’s trade with members of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) reached $31.93 billion in the first eight months of 2026, rising 21.2 percent year on year as imports from the regional bloc continued to grow significantly faster than exports.
According to the Ministry of Commerce, Cambodia exported $7.22 billion worth of goods to RCEP markets from January through August, an increase of 8.9 percent from the same period last year. Imports, meanwhile, surged 25 percent to $24.71 billion.
The figures reinforce RCEP’s position as Cambodia’s largest trading bloc while highlighting the wide difference between the value of goods Cambodia sells to and purchases from its RCEP partners.
RCEP Accounts for More Than 60% of Cambodia’s Trade
RCEP trade represented 61.3 percent of Cambodia’s total international trade during the first eight months of 2026.
| Cambodia’s Trade with RCEP | Jan–Aug 2026 |
|---|---|
| Exports to RCEP | $7.22 billion |
| Imports from RCEP | $24.71 billion |
| Total RCEP trade | $31.93 billion |
| Share of total international trade | 61.3% |
| Cambodia’s total international trade | $52.13 billion |
The figures show that RCEP markets remain deeply integrated into Cambodia’s trade structure, accounting for more than three fifths of the country’s international trade during the period.
Imports Grow Nearly Three Times Faster Than Exports
Cambodia’s exports to RCEP partners increased by 8.9 percent, compared with a 25 percent increase in imports.
In absolute terms, Cambodia recorded a trade gap of approximately $17.49 billion with RCEP members during the first eight months.
| Trade Indicator | Jan–Aug 2026 | Year on Year |
|---|---|---|
| Exports | $7.22B | +8.9% |
| Imports | $24.71B | +25.0% |
| Trade balance | -$17.49B | Imports growing faster |
The difference does not necessarily indicate a decline in Cambodia’s overall trade performance. Imports can include machinery, production inputs, intermediate goods and other products that support domestic consumption and manufacturing.
However, the substantially faster growth of imports compared with exports highlights the need for continued expansion of Cambodia’s export capacity if the country is to capture more value from preferential regional market access.
RCEP Opens Access to 15 Regional Economies
RCEP brings together 15 economies: the 10 ASEAN member states, along with Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea.
The agreement entered into force in 2022, providing Cambodia with preferential access to major regional markets and creating a broader framework for trade and economic integration.
For Cambodian businesses, the agreement can support market expansion by improving access to a large regional consumer and production network.
Government Highlights Trade Agreements and Market Expansion
The Ministry of Commerce said free trade agreements, expansion into new markets and efforts to strengthen confidence among trading partners are supporting Cambodia’s export growth.
Economic researcher Dr. Hong Vannak of the Royal Academy of Cambodia said the increase in trade reflected the government’s efforts to strengthen economic diplomacy with bilateral and multilateral partners.
The latest data suggest that Cambodia is continuing to expand its commercial engagement with major regional economies, although the faster growth of imports remains a defining feature of the current trade pattern.
Cambodia’s RCEP Trade Reached $40.23B in 2025
Cambodia’s trade with RCEP partners reached $40.23 billion in 2025, representing a 16.3 percent increase from 2024.
The first eight months of 2026 have already generated nearly four fifths of the previous year’s RCEP trade value.
| Period | RCEP Trade |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $40.23 billion |
| Jan–Aug 2026 | $31.93 billion |
| 2026 growth vs. Jan–Aug 2025 | 21.2% |
The latest figures point to continued expansion in Cambodia’s regional trade relationships while underscoring the importance of increasing the scale and competitiveness of Cambodian exports.
What the Trade Gap Means for Cambodia?
The current trade structure reflects Cambodia’s position within regional production and supply chains. Imports can provide manufacturers and businesses with machinery, raw materials and intermediate products needed to produce goods for domestic and overseas markets.
At the same time, stronger export growth would allow Cambodian producers to capture a larger share of the value created through regional trade.
The challenge is therefore not simply to increase total trade, but to expand the range, value and competitiveness of products Cambodia can sell into RCEP markets.
Angkor Times Analysis
Cambodia’s $31.93 billion RCEP trade volume in the first eight months of 2026 demonstrates the bloc’s central role in the Kingdom’s economy, with RCEP accounting for 61.3 percent of total international trade. The key structural issue is the different pace of growth: exports increased 8.9 percent while imports rose 25 percent. This creates an opportunity for Cambodia to focus on higher value manufacturing, agricultural processing, technology enabled products and other export sectors that can make greater use of RCEP’s preferential market access. The figures also show that regional integration is already significant; the next stage is increasing the export value Cambodia captures from that integration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cambodia’s total RCEP trade in 2026?
Cambodia recorded $31.93 billion in trade with RCEP members during January to August 2026, up 21.2 percent year on year.
How much did Cambodia export to RCEP countries?
Cambodia exported $7.22 billion to RCEP partners during the first eight months of 2026, up 8.9 percent.
How much did Cambodia import from RCEP countries?
Imports from RCEP members reached $24.71 billion, increasing 25 percent year on year.
What was Cambodia’s RCEP trade gap?
Based on the reported export and import figures, Cambodia recorded a trade deficit of approximately $17.49 billion with RCEP partners during January to August 2026.
How important is RCEP to Cambodia’s trade?
RCEP trade accounted for 61.3 percent of Cambodia’s total international trade during the first eight months of 2026.
How many countries are in RCEP?
RCEP consists of 15 economies: the 10 ASEAN member states plus Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea.