Cambodia’s international trade continues to show robust growth, with the total value of imports and exports reaching $25.29 billion in the first five months of 2025—a significant 18.5% increase compared to the same period last year, according to a June 10 report by the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE).
This upward trend reflects the Kingdom’s increasing production capacity and expanding trade networks. Export earnings amounted to $11.8 billion, marking a 17.2% rise, while imports totaled $13.49 billion, up 19.7%. Despite this growth, Cambodia recorded a trade deficit of approximately $1.68 billion, widening from $1.19 billion in the same period in 2024.
China: Cambodia’s Largest Trading Partner
China maintained its position as Cambodia’s largest trading partner, accounting for nearly one-third of the Kingdom’s total international trade. Bilateral trade with China reached $7.64 billion, a substantial 27.5% increase year-on-year.
However, the trade relationship remains heavily imbalanced. Cambodian exports to China totaled only $634.02 million, reflecting a 3.6% decline, while imports from China surged 31.4%, hitting $7 billion. Most of these imports consist of raw materials used in Cambodia’s export-oriented industries, especially garments and electronics.
Economist Hong Vanak from the Royal Academy of Cambodia noted that Cambodia’s growing import volume from China is largely driven by the country’s expanding production base. “Raw materials from China are used for processing and re-export, which is helping Cambodian factories scale up and meet foreign demand,” he explained.
Key Trading Partners and Export Performance
Besides China, Cambodia’s other major trading partners include the United States, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, Canada, Indonesia, Germany, Malaysia, and Spain. The United States continues to be a vital export market, especially for garments and travel goods.
According to GDCE, Cambodia’s major export commodities in 2025 remain consistent with previous years. They include:
- Garments and textiles
- Footwear
- Travel bags and accessories
- Machinery and electrical components
- Rubber and rubber products
- Furniture and leather goods
- Grains and animal hair-based products
These products reflect a diversified manufacturing base that is increasingly being supported by foreign direct investment and preferential trade agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
ALSO READ: Cambodia’s Economic Growth in 2025: Key Sectors Driving Progress
Opportunities and Challenges Ahead
The steady growth in exports is also accompanied by increasing employment opportunities and tax revenue for the Cambodian government. Vanak highlighted that the expansion of manufacturing and the rise in foreign orders are creating jobs and raising household incomes.
However, he also pointed out the need to narrow the trade deficit, especially with China. “Cambodia must invest in industries that can produce goods in high demand in China to balance trade. Areas like agro-processing, light machinery, and electronics could offer long-term potential,” he said.
While Cambodia is currently in talks with the U.S. government regarding trade policy changes—especially the potential impact of Donald Trump’s proposed ‘reciprocal tariffs’—experts believe that Cambodia’s international trade will remain on an upward trajectory.
“With production capacity expanding and export diversity increasing, Cambodia’s integration into regional and global supply chains is only getting stronger,” Vanak added.
Outlook for 2025 and Beyond
The data for the first five months of 2025 aligns with the positive trade momentum seen in 2024, when Cambodia recorded $54.74 billion in total trade—a 16.9% increase over 2023. Exports for the year reached $26.2 billion, while imports hit $28.54 billion.
As Cambodia positions itself as a competitive player in Southeast Asia’s trade ecosystem, sustaining this growth will depend on continued investment in manufacturing, improving trade logistics, and tapping into new markets. If the current pace continues, 2025 could become another record-breaking year for Cambodian trade, further cementing its role as a rising export economy.
