PHNOM PENH – Cambodia’s trade volume with Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) member countries reached approximately $3.76 billion in January 2026, marking a robust 14.7% increase compared to the same period last year.
According to the latest data from the Ministry of Commerce, the trade volume with RCEP partners accounted for over 61% of Cambodia’s total international trade for the month, which was valued at $6.14 billion.
Strong Export Growth Drives Economic Momentum
The Kingdom’s exports to the RCEP bloc saw a significant boost, rising 19% year-on-year to reach $927 million. Simultaneously, imports from these member states grew by 13%, totaling $2.83 billion.
The Ministry highlighted that Cambodia’s top five trading partners within the framework remain China, Vietnam, Japan, Singapore, and Thailand. This consistent growth underscores the deepening economic integration between Cambodia and the world’s largest free trade zone.
RCEP as a ‘Magnet’ for Foreign Investment
Penn Sovicheat, Secretary of State and spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, attributed the positive figures to the preferential tariffs and market access provided by the agreement.
“The RCEP is a catalyst for our long-term export growth and a magnet for attracting more foreign direct investment (FDI) to the Kingdom,” Sovicheat stated. He added that the agreement provides a crucial “safety net” for the national economy amid global market fluctuations.
Strategic Importance of the Mega-Trade Pact
The RCEP, which officially entered into force on January 1, 2022, comprises 15 Asia-Pacific nations, including the 10 ASEAN members and their five FTA partners: China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.
By eliminating tariffs on approximately 90% of goods traded between member states, the pact has streamlined supply chains and reduced costs for Cambodian manufacturers. In 2025, Cambodia’s total trade with RCEP members hit a record $40.2 billion, a trend that experts believe will continue through 2026.
Future Outlook for Cambodia’s Trade Policy
The Cambodian government remains optimistic that the RCEP, combined with other bilateral Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with China and South Korea, will play a pivotal role in elevating the nation to upper-middle-income status by 2030.
Economists suggest that to maximize these benefits, Cambodia must continue to diversify its export base beyond garments and footwear, focusing on high-value agricultural products and electronics to better compete within the RCEP market of 2.3 billion people.
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