Cambodia’s trade with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the European Union (EU) reached US$19.29 billion in the first nine months of 2026, supported by stronger regional supply chains and expanding cross-border commerce. According to a Ministry of Commerce report cited by Xinhua, trade with ASEAN increased 16% year on year to US$14.26 billion, while trade with the EU rose 14% to US$5.03 billion, highlighting the importance of both markets to Cambodia’s international trade.
Key Facts
Combined trade with ASEAN and the EU: US$19.29 billion, January–September 2026
ASEAN trade: US$14.26 billion, up 16% year on year
EU trade: US$5.03 billion, up 14% year on year
Combined trade in January–September 2025: US$16.68 billion
Cambodia’s total global trade: US$58.48 billion in the first nine months of 2026
ASEAN share of total trade: 24%
EU share of total trade: 8.6%
Cambodia–ASEAN Trade Rises 16% to US$14.26 Billion
Trade between Cambodia and fellow ASEAN member states reached US$14.26 billion from January to September 2026, representing a 16% increase compared with the same period in 2025.
ASEAN accounted for 24% of Cambodia’s total global trade during the reporting period, making it a significant regional market for Cambodian businesses and manufacturers.
The growth reflects Cambodia’s commercial connections with neighbouring economies and its participation in regional production and distribution networks. Cross-border trade enables businesses to source raw materials, sell manufactured products and connect with customers across Southeast Asia.
For Cambodian exporters, ASEAN markets provide opportunities to diversify sales destinations and develop relationships with regional buyers. Continued growth will depend on competitiveness, transport efficiency, product standards and market demand.
Cambodia–EU Trade Increases 14% to US$5.03 Billion
Cambodia’s trade with the European Union reached US$5.03 billion in the first nine months of 2026, up 14% year on year.
The EU represented 8.6% of Cambodia’s total global trade during the period, according to the Ministry of Commerce figures cited in the report.
The European market remains relevant to Cambodian manufacturing and export-oriented industries, particularly garments, textiles, footwear, travel goods and bags.
Growth in bilateral trade creates opportunities for Cambodian producers to expand their customer base. However, businesses seeking to strengthen their position in the EU must also consider product quality, delivery reliability, regulatory requirements and changing consumer demand.
The reported figures cover total trade, including both exports and imports. They do not provide a breakdown of the respective contributions from Cambodian exports and EU-origin imports.
Cambodia’s Global Trade Reaches US$58.48 Billion
Cambodia recorded total global trade of US$58.48 billion during January–September 2026.
Combined trade with ASEAN and the EU accounted for US$19.29 billion of this total, demonstrating the importance of these two economic blocs within Cambodia’s international commercial relationships.
The Ministry of Commerce figures indicate that ASEAN accounted for 24% of total trade, while the EU represented 8.6%.
Together, the two markets accounted for 32.6% of Cambodia’s global trade during the period.
Cambodia’s trade with the two blocs increased from US$16.68 billion in the first nine months of 2025 to US$19.29 billion in the same period of 2026. This represents an increase of approximately 15.6% in combined trade value.
Major Cambodian Exports to ASEAN and the EU
Penn Sovicheat, a secretary of state and spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, said Cambodia’s principal exports to the two regions included:
Garments and textiles
Footwear
Travel goods and bags
Bicycles
Car tyres
Electronic components
Vehicle parts
Agricultural products
These products reflect the range of Cambodia’s export industries, from labour-intensive manufacturing to selected industrial and agricultural goods.
For manufacturers, continued access to ASEAN and EU markets can support production planning, investment and relationships with international buyers. Expanding export opportunities may also encourage businesses to improve product quality, production efficiency and supply-chain management.
The report does not provide individual product values or identify which export categories recorded the strongest growth during the nine-month period.
Cambodia’s Main Imports From the Two Regions
Cambodia also imports a broad range of goods to support domestic consumption, manufacturing and infrastructure development.
According to the Ministry of Commerce spokesperson, major imports included garment raw materials, construction supplies, vehicles, oil and gas, electronic goods, fertilisers, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, supplements, fruits and other food products.
These imports serve different purposes across the economy. Raw materials support manufacturing, while construction supplies and vehicles serve infrastructure, business and transport needs. Energy products and electronic goods also contribute to industrial and household demand.
The figures provided do not separate imports from ASEAN and the EU by product category or disclose the value of individual imports.
Regional Integration and Trade Agreements Support Growth
Thong Mengdavid, deputy director of the China-ASEAN Studies Centre at Cambodia University of Technology and Science, said the double-digit growth reflected deeper regional economic integration and trade diversification.
He attributed the expansion to stronger supply-chain integration, cross-border commerce and the advantages offered by regional frameworks, including the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
These frameworks are intended to facilitate economic cooperation and trade among participating economies. Their practical benefits for Cambodian businesses can include improved regional market access and opportunities to participate in cross-border production networks, subject to the applicable rules and requirements.
For exporters, the ability to use trade agreements effectively depends on understanding rules of origin, customs procedures, product standards and relevant documentation. Access to preferential trade arrangements does not automatically guarantee increased sales; businesses must still compete on price, quality and reliability.
Business Opportunities for Cambodian Companies
The reported growth in ASEAN and EU trade offers several areas for businesses to consider.
1. Expand regional customer networks
Manufacturers and agricultural exporters can explore demand across ASEAN markets while building relationships with distributors, importers and regional supply-chain partners.
2. Strengthen export readiness for Europe
Businesses targeting the EU can focus on product quality, compliance, traceability and dependable delivery to meet buyers’ requirements.
3. Develop higher-value production
Manufacturers may explore opportunities to improve productivity, expand product ranges and strengthen their roles in regional supply chains. The available trade figures do not establish whether such upgrading has already occurred.
4. Improve logistics and customs efficiency
Efficient transport, documentation and border procedures can help reduce delays and support more predictable trade operations.
5. Diversify products and markets
Businesses that depend heavily on a narrow range of products or buyers may consider broader market development to manage exposure to changes in demand.
These are potential business strategies based on the reported trade trends, not confirmed outcomes from the Ministry of Commerce report.
Angkor Times Analysis
Cambodia’s US$19.29 billion in combined trade with ASEAN and the EU during the first nine months of 2026 highlights the importance of regional and European markets to the country’s commercial relationships.
ASEAN remained the larger of the two trading blocs by total trade value, accounting for US$14.26 billion compared with US$5.03 billion for the EU. Both markets recorded double-digit year-on-year growth, while Cambodia’s total global trade reached US$58.48 billion.
For policymakers and businesses, the next question is whether trade growth can translate into greater export competitiveness, stronger domestic production and more diversified sources of revenue.
The headline figures alone cannot answer that question. A fuller assessment would require export-import breakdowns, product-level growth, trade balances and information on how much domestic value is generated by Cambodian exports.
Nevertheless, the reported figures provide a useful indicator of Cambodia’s continuing engagement with regional and European markets. Sustaining that growth will require businesses to remain competitive, understand trade rules and respond to changes in international demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did Cambodia trade with ASEAN and the EU in the first nine months of 2026?
Cambodia’s combined trade with the two blocs reached US$19.29 billion between January and September 2026.
How much did Cambodia’s trade with ASEAN grow?
Trade with ASEAN increased 16% year on year to US$14.26 billion.
How much did Cambodia’s trade with the EU grow?
Trade with the EU rose 14% year on year to US$5.03 billion.
What was Cambodia’s total global trade during the period?
Cambodia recorded US$58.48 billion in total global trade during the first nine months of 2026.
What products does Cambodia export to ASEAN and the EU?
Major exports include garments, textiles, footwear, travel goods, bags, bicycles, car tyres, electronic components, vehicle parts and agricultural products.
Which trade agreements were cited as supporting growth?
Thong Mengdavid cited the ASEAN Economic Community and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership as regional frameworks supporting economic integration and trade.
Does the report show Cambodia’s trade surplus with ASEAN and the EU?
No. The figures cover total trade but do not provide separate export and import values needed to calculate the trade balance with either bloc.
Sources and Further Reading
Xinhua, “Cambodia’s trade with ASEAN, EU posts double-digit growth during Jan-Sept.”
Cambodia Ministry of Commerce, trade statistics for January–September 2026, as reported by Xinhua.