Trade between Cambodia and France reached approximately $488.43 million in the first nine months of 2026, representing a 14.8% increase compared with the same period last year. The growth highlights expanding commercial relations between the two countries ahead of the Cambodia–France Business Forum scheduled for November 16–17 in Phnom Penh, where approximately 400 French companies are expected to participate and explore investment opportunities in Cambodia.
Key Facts
Bilateral trade: $488.43 million from January to September 2026, up 14.8%.
Cambodian exports to France: $386.44 million.
Cambodian imports from France: $102 million.
Trade growth: Up from $425.65 million during the same period in 2025.
Major Cambodian exports: Garments, footwear, rice and agricultural products.
Business forum: November 16–17, 2026, in Phnom Penh.
Expected participation: Approximately 400 French companies.
French investment presence: More than 350 French companies or entrepreneurs, with investments exceeding $700 million, according to the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Cambodia.
Cambodia–France Trade Expands by 14.8%
Cambodia's trade with France continued to grow during the first nine months of 2026, reaching $488.43 million, compared with $425.65 million in the corresponding period last year.
According to data from the General Department of Customs and Excise, Cambodia exported goods worth $386.44 million to France between January and September, while imports from France totalled approximately $102 million.
The figures show that Cambodia maintained a substantial trade surplus with France, with exports accounting for the larger share of bilateral trade.
The increase reflects the continued importance of the French market for Cambodian exporters, particularly in garments, footwear, rice and agricultural products.
Cambodian Exports to France Lead Bilateral Trade
Cambodian exports to France reached $386.44 million during the first nine months of 2026, making up the majority of bilateral trade.
Garments and footwear remain among Cambodia's key export products, alongside rice and other agricultural goods.
The export performance highlights the role of France as an important European destination for Cambodian-made products and the potential to expand commercial relationships with European buyers.
Meanwhile, imports from France contributed approximately $102 million to bilateral trade during the reporting period.
The trade figures provide a foundation for further discussions on market access, product development and commercial cooperation between businesses in both countries.
Cambodia–France Business Forum to Attract Around 400 French Companies
The Cambodia–France Business Forum is scheduled to take place in Phnom Penh on November 16–17, 2026, with approximately 400 French companies expected to participate.
The forum will provide French businesses with an opportunity to explore Cambodia's investment environment and identify potential partnerships in priority economic sectors.
The sectors expected to attract particular interest include:
Energy.
Healthcare.
Agricultural processing.
The event comes as Cambodia seeks to attract additional foreign investment, strengthen industrial capacity and expand the value-added processing of its agricultural resources.
French Businesses Have Invested More Than $700 Million in Cambodia
Julien Bert, Vice-President of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Cambodia (CCIFC), said more than 350 French companies or entrepreneurs are investing in Cambodia, with total investment exceeding $700 million.
The presence of French businesses reflects the established commercial relationship between the two countries and the potential for further cooperation.
The upcoming business forum is expected to provide a platform for existing investors and prospective entrants to explore new opportunities, connect with Cambodian partners and assess potential projects.
Agricultural Processing and Renewable Energy Among Key Opportunities
Ministry of Commerce spokesperson Pen Sovicheat said the business forum would provide French companies with an opportunity to explore Cambodia's investment potential, particularly in agro-processing.
He highlighted Cambodia's abundant natural resources as an important foundation for developing agricultural processing industries.
Cambodia also expects France to contribute innovation in goods, trading services, renewable energy research and infrastructure development.
These areas could support Cambodia's broader ambitions to strengthen domestic production, develop higher-value industries and improve infrastructure.
For agricultural processing, investment could help connect local producers with processing facilities, technology, packaging capabilities and international distribution networks.
In renewable energy and infrastructure, cooperation could support the development of technical expertise and new investment opportunities.
Angkor Times Analysis: France Could Become a Stronger Partner in Cambodia's Value-Added Economy
The 14.8% increase in Cambodia–France trade demonstrates positive momentum in bilateral commercial relations. However, the upcoming business forum could be important for a broader reason: the opportunity to move beyond conventional trade towards deeper investment and industrial cooperation.
Cambodia's exports to France reached $386.44 million, significantly exceeding imports. This indicates an established export relationship, but it also highlights opportunities to expand the range and value of Cambodian products entering the French market.
The focus on agricultural processing is particularly relevant. Cambodia produces a range of agricultural commodities, but increasing domestic processing capacity could allow businesses to capture more value before products reach international markets.
Three areas deserve particular attention:
Agricultural value addition: Investment in food processing, packaging, storage and quality certification could help Cambodian producers move towards higher-value exports.
Renewable energy and infrastructure: French expertise and investment could support energy diversification, infrastructure development and improved industrial competitiveness.
Healthcare and technology: Cooperation in healthcare services, equipment and technical innovation could create opportunities beyond traditional manufacturing and trade.
The participation of approximately 400 French companies could provide an important platform for business matching and investment discussions. However, actual investment outcomes will depend on the projects developed, commercial agreements reached and the ability to translate interest into implementation.
For Cambodia, the strategic opportunity is to attract investment that strengthens domestic capabilities, creates skilled employment and connects local businesses with international supply chains.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much was Cambodia–France trade in the first nine months of 2026?
Bilateral trade reached $488.43 million from January to September 2026, an increase of 14.8% compared with the same period in 2025.
2. How much did Cambodia export to France?
Cambodia exported approximately $386.44 million worth of goods to France during the first nine months of 2026.
3. How much did Cambodia import from France?
Imports from France reached approximately $102 million during the same period.
4. What are Cambodia's main exports to France?
Major exports include garments, footwear, rice and agricultural products.
5. When will the Cambodia–France Business Forum take place?
The forum is scheduled for November 16–17, 2026, in Phnom Penh.
6. How many French companies are expected at the forum?
Approximately 400 French companies are expected to participate.
7. How much have French businesses invested in Cambodia?
According to the Vice-President of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Cambodia, more than 350 French companies or entrepreneurs are investing over $700 million in Cambodia.
8. Which sectors could attract French investment?
Priority sectors identified include energy, healthcare and agricultural processing, alongside potential cooperation in renewable energy research, trading services and infrastructure.