Cambodia’s international trade reached $63.45 billion in the first 10 months of 2026, representing a 21% increase from $52.58 billion recorded during the same period last year, according to the General Department of Customs and Excise. The growth reflects stronger export and import activity, supported by expanding market access, regional economic integration and the implementation of bilateral and multilateral trade agreements.
Key Facts
Total trade: $63.45 billion from January to October 2026, up 21% year-on-year.
Exports: $29.98 billion, increasing 20.4%.
Imports: $33.47 billion, increasing 21.2%.
Trade surplus/deficit: Cambodia recorded a trade deficit of approximately $3.49 billion.
Top trading partners: China ($19.65 billion), the United States ($13.82 billion) and Vietnam ($7.16 billion).
Major trade frameworks: RCEP, ASEAN Free Trade Area and bilateral free trade agreements with China, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates.
Cambodia’s Trade Growth Reflects Stronger Economic Activity
Cambodia recorded $63.45 billion in international trade between January and October 2026, compared with $52.58 billion during the corresponding period in 2025.
Exports generated $29.98 billion, marking a 20.4% year-on-year increase, while imports reached $33.47 billion, up 21.2%.
The figures indicate continued expansion in both production-oriented exports and demand for imported goods, including manufacturing inputs, petroleum products, vehicles, electronics and consumer products.
The increase in trade turnover also highlights Cambodia’s growing integration into regional and international supply chains as businesses seek wider markets and access to imported materials and technology.
China, the United States and Vietnam Lead Cambodia’s Trading Partners
China remained Cambodia’s largest trading partner during the first 10 months of 2026, with bilateral trade reaching $19.65 billion, an increase of 23.3% year-on-year.
The United States ranked second, with trade totaling $13.82 billion, up 29.1%, while Vietnam ranked third at $7.16 billion, representing an 8.8% increase.
Trading partner | Trade value | Year-on-year growth |
|---|---|---|
China | $19.65 billion | 23.3% |
United States | $13.82 billion | 29.1% |
Vietnam | $7.16 billion | 8.8% |
These three markets represent important destinations and sources of goods for Cambodia, reflecting the country's commercial relationships across Asia and North America.
Export Diversification Creates New Opportunities
Cambodia's export sector has traditionally relied heavily on garments, footwear and travel goods, which remain important sources of foreign exchange earnings and employment.
However, the country's export portfolio has gradually expanded into additional manufacturing and agricultural categories, including electronic components, bicycles, tyres, processed agricultural products, machinery, electrical equipment and furniture.
This diversification is significant for Cambodia's longer-term economic development. Expanding beyond traditional export industries could help local manufacturers participate in more complex production networks, increase value-added activities and develop new sources of export revenue.
The Kingdom's major export products now include garments, footwear, travel goods, machinery and electrical equipment, agricultural products, bicycles, tyres, furniture and other manufactured goods.
Trade Agreements Strengthen Cambodia’s Market Access
Minister of Commerce Cham Nimul attributed the expansion of Cambodia's exports to the country's growing network of trade agreements and preferential market-access arrangements.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of a two-day forum in Phnom Penh titled “Cambodia to the World: Trading with the European Union,” she highlighted the importance of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and other trade frameworks.
She said these arrangements could help reduce tariff barriers, lower business costs, improve price competitiveness and expand the international presence of Cambodian products.
Cambodia currently participates in several major trade arrangements, including:
ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA): Supporting trade integration among ASEAN member states.
Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP): A regional trade agreement involving major Asian economies.
Cambodia–China Free Trade Agreement: Providing preferential trade arrangements between the two countries.
Cambodia–South Korea Free Trade Agreement: Supporting commercial access between Cambodia and South Korea.
Cambodia–United Arab Emirates Free Trade Agreement: Expanding trade opportunities with the UAE.
The Ministry of Commerce is also studying the feasibility of additional market opportunities and discussing potential cooperation with new investment partners.
Cambodia Seeks Stronger Trade Links With the European Union
The Phnom Penh forum, themed “Cambodia to the World: Trading with the European Union,” reflects the government's efforts to strengthen commercial connections with European markets.
The initiative comes as Cambodia seeks to expand the international reach of locally produced goods and improve the competitiveness of domestic businesses.
Greater access to European markets could create opportunities for Cambodian exporters, particularly in manufacturing and agricultural processing. However, businesses seeking to enter these markets must also meet requirements relating to product quality, technical standards, labelling, traceability and other market regulations.
Improving production capacity and compliance will therefore remain important for companies seeking to expand beyond traditional export destinations.
Free Trade Agreements Could Support Investment and Job Creation
Cambodia Chamber of Commerce Vice-President Lim Heng said broader market access could benefit domestic producers while making Cambodia more attractive to foreign investors.
He noted that free trade agreements can help businesses reach larger markets and encourage investment in local production, employment generation and exports.
The relationship between trade agreements and investment is particularly important for Cambodia as it seeks to strengthen its manufacturing base and attract companies looking to serve regional and international markets.
Foreign investors may consider Cambodia's trade arrangements when evaluating production locations, although market access alone is not sufficient. Infrastructure, logistics, workforce skills, regulatory predictability and production costs also influence investment decisions.
Angkor Times Analysis: Trade Growth Must Translate Into Higher Domestic Value
Cambodia's 21% trade expansion is a positive indicator of stronger international commercial activity. However, the composition of that growth is equally important.
Imports increased slightly faster than exports during the first 10 months of 2026, with imports reaching $33.47 billion against exports of $29.98 billion. This resulted in an estimated trade deficit of $3.49 billion.
A trade deficit is not necessarily a sign of economic weakness. Imports of machinery, production equipment, technology and raw materials can support manufacturing capacity and future exports. The key question is whether imported goods contribute to productive investment and higher domestic value creation.
Cambodia's next phase of trade development will depend on its ability to move further up the manufacturing value chain, strengthen local supplier networks and expand exports beyond traditional sectors.
For policymakers, this means that trade agreements should be supported by practical improvements in logistics, customs procedures, industrial infrastructure, workforce development and business competitiveness.
For local companies, the expanding trade network presents opportunities to develop export-ready products, improve quality standards and build partnerships with international buyers.
Ultimately, sustainable trade growth will depend not only on increasing the value of goods crossing Cambodia's borders, but also on increasing the economic value generated within the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much was Cambodia's total international trade in the first 10 months of 2026?
Cambodia recorded $63.45 billion in international trade from January to October 2026, representing a 21% increase compared with the same period in 2025.
2. How much did Cambodia export and import?
Exports reached $29.98 billion, up 20.4% year-on-year, while imports totaled $33.47 billion, increasing 21.2%.
3. Which countries were Cambodia's largest trading partners?
China was the largest trading partner at $19.65 billion, followed by the United States at $13.82 billion and Vietnam at $7.16 billion.
4. What are Cambodia's major export products?
Major exports include garments, footwear, travel goods, machinery, electrical equipment, agricultural products, bicycles, tyres, furniture and other manufactured goods.
5. Which free trade agreements does Cambodia participate in?
Cambodia participates in the ASEAN Free Trade Area and RCEP, and has bilateral free trade agreements with China, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates.
6. Why are free trade agreements important to Cambodia?
They can improve market access, reduce trade barriers, strengthen export competitiveness, attract investment and create opportunities for domestic businesses to reach international markets.