Phnom Penh — Cambodia’s international trade has crossed the $36 billion mark in just the first seven months of 2025, showing a strong rise of almost 20% compared to the same time last year. Exports made up around $17.1 billion of that total, underlining the Kingdom’s growing presence in global markets.
Figures from the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE) released on August 11 showed that from January to July, Cambodia’s total trade volume hit $36.32 billion, up 16.5% from $31.19 billion in 2024. Exports grew 16.2% to $17.16 billion, while imports increased by 16.7% to $19.16 billion.
The country still posted a trade deficit of about $1.99 billion — slightly higher than the $1.66 billion shortfall during the same period last year. China, the United States, Vietnam, Thailand and Japan remained the top trading partners.
Ly Kunthai, president of the Cambodia Investors Federation and the Cambodian Footwear Association, said he expect this momentum to continue as more Cambodian-made products are finding buyers overseas. He highlighted that the US will likely become a more important partner after President Donald Trump’s administration reduced tariffs on Cambodian goods from 49% down to 19%.
“Right now, I see more orders coming in from different countries. There is also more skilled labour and more factories opening here. This is allowing us to produce a wider range of products for export,” Kunthai explained.
Garments, footwear, travel bags, electronics components and agricultural produce remain the main export categories. On the import side, vehicles, machinery, construction materials, pharmaceuticals and electronic equipment make up a large share.
Speaking at the “Results and Recommendations of Cambodia’s Third Trade Policy Review (TPR)” seminar organised by the Ministry of Commerce on August 7, EU Ambassador to Cambodia Igor Driesmans praised the government and private sector for working hand-in-hand to push the economy forward. He noted steady export growth, more flexible investment laws, and the country’s plans to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2029.
In 2024, Cambodia’s trade with global partners reached $54.74 billion, an increase of 16.9% compared to 2023. Exports totalled $26.2 billion, up 15.7%, while imports were $28.54 billion, up 18%.
With better trade policies, stronger investor confidence and a more diverse manufacturing base, Cambodia looks set to deepen its role in global commerce in the coming years.
Also read, Cambodia’s Rice Exports Top $1.2 Billion in First Seven Months of 2025
