The Fourth Industrial Revolution, combined with the disruptive effects of the Covid-19 pandemic starting in late 2019, has accelerated the global adoption of digital technologies—particularly in commerce. Cambodia has been part of this rapid transformation, with its e-commerce sector reaching a value of $1.51 billion in 2024.
According to the iTrade Bulletin released by the Ministry of Commerce on April 7, Cambodia’s e-commerce industry is on a strong upward trajectory. Projections indicate the market will grow further in 2025. Cambodia currently accounts for 1.3% of the ASEAN region’s e-commerce sector, with the total regional market estimated at $116.36 billion.
In 2024, e-commerce activities contributed 6.68% to Cambodia’s gross domestic product (GDP), underlining the growing role of online trade in the national economy. Social media platforms—especially Facebook, TikTok, and Telegram—have played a key role in shaping the country’s digital marketplace.
Key Figures from the iTrade Bulletin:
- E-Commerce Market Value (2024): $1.51 billion
- Projected Growth (2025): 17.88% increase, expected to surpass $1.78 billion
- Share of ASEAN E-Commerce Market: 1.3%
- ASEAN Market Total: $116.36 billion
- Contribution to Cambodia’s GDP: 6.68%
Most Popular Platforms:
- Facebook: 11.65 million user accounts
- TikTok: 9.96 million user accounts
- Others: Khmer24 and Taobao remain widely used
Top-Selling Product Categories:
- Apparel: 37%
- Beauty & Cosmetics: 20%
- Food Delivery: 19%
Consumer Spending Trends:
- Most shoppers spend between $11 and $50 per month
Preferred Payment Methods:
- QR Code: 47.15%
- Cash: 26.5%
- Money Transfers: 13.3%
- Other: 13.05%
Chhin Ken, president of the Cambodia Digital Technology Association, emphasized the pandemic’s role in accelerating online shopping habits. He noted the convenience, speed, and often lower prices of e-commerce made it an attractive alternative to traditional markets.
“The challenges people faced with traveling and face-to-face transactions during the pandemic led to a continuous rise in e-commerce, even though the general public had limited technological knowledge at the time,” Ken explained. He added that government efforts to promote digital literacy and technology adoption further supported this shift.
Despite its rapid growth, Cambodia’s e-commerce sector still faces notable challenges. These include counterfeit goods, inconsistent product quality, high shipping fees, and incidents where customers paid for products they never received.
As digital infrastructure continues to develop and public familiarity with online shopping grows, Cambodia’s e-commerce sector is well-positioned for sustained expansion—reshaping the way Cambodians shop and engage in business for years to come.
