Cambodia’s international trade reached more than US$16 billion in the first quarter of 2026, a 17% increase from US$14.44 billion in the same period of 2025, according to a report from the General Department of Customs and Excise released on April 10.
Exports totalled US$8.09 billion (up 17.7% year‑on‑year), while imports reached US$8.33 billion (up 16.7%). The top five export destinations were the United States, Vietnam, Japan, China, and Spain.
Ministry of Commerce Secretary of State and Spokesperson H.E. Penn Sovicheat attributed the robust performance to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs) with China, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates.
“These regional and bilateral trade agreements have served as catalysts for long‑term, sustainable export growth by providing preferential tariffs for Cambodian products.” – H.E. Penn Sovicheat
Cambodia’s main export products include garments, machinery, electrical equipment, footwear, leather goods, grains, furniture, rubber, fruits, vegetables, pearls, and textiles.
📊 Q1 2026 Trade Snapshot
| Indicator | Q1 2026 | Q1 2025 | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total trade | US$16.42 billion | US$14.44 billion | ▲ 17.0% |
| Exports | US$8.09 billion | US$6.87 billion | ▲ 17.7% |
| Imports | US$8.33 billion | US$7.14 billion | ▲ 16.7% |
Figures rounded. Source: General Department of Customs and Excise
🌏 Top 5 Export Destinations (Q1 2026)
| Rank | Country | Key Products |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | Garments, footwear, travel goods, furniture |
| 2 | Vietnam | Machinery, electrical equipment, agricultural products |
| 3 | Japan | Garments, textiles, rubber, electronic components |
| 4 | China | Rice, rubber, cassava, fruits |
| 5 | Spain | Garments, footwear, leather goods |
The presence of Spain in the top five reflects Cambodia’s growing penetration into the European market, facilitated by the EU’s Everything But Arms (EBA) scheme and Cambodia’s own trade promotion efforts.
📈 Key Drivers of Export Growth
1. RCEP & Bilateral FTAs
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) , which entered into force for Cambodia in 2022, continues to lower tariffs and streamline customs procedures among 15 Asia‑Pacific nations. Cambodia has also signed bilateral FTAs with China, South Korea, and the UAE – all contributing to preferential access for Cambodian goods.
2. Diversification of Export Products
While garments and footwear remain the backbone, non‑traditional exports are growing rapidly:
- Machinery and electrical equipment – benefiting from foreign investment in assembly and component manufacturing.
- Rubber – exports surged due to higher global prices and increased domestic processing.
- Fruits and vegetables – new market access to China (e.g., fresh bananas, mangoes, longans) and Japan (dried mangoes).
- Pearls and precious stones – a niche but high‑value sector.
3. Recovery of Global Demand
Post‑pandemic supply chain adjustments and restocking in major markets (US, EU, Japan) have boosted orders for Cambodian manufactured goods.
💡 What This Means for Investors & Traders
| Audience | Key Takeaways |
|---|---|
| Exporters | Leverage RCEP and bilateral FTAs to reduce tariffs. Explore emerging product categories (machinery, electronics, processed food). Target Spain and other EU markets via the EBA scheme. |
| Investors | The trade growth signals a vibrant, open economy. Opportunities exist in manufacturing (especially higher‑value assembly), agro‑processing, and logistics. The CDC offers QIP incentives for export‑oriented projects. |
| Traders | Import demand remains strong (US$8.33 billion). Cambodia imports machinery, raw materials, petroleum, and consumer goods. Consider partnerships with local distributors or setting up bonded warehouses. |
🔗 Related Trade & Investment Guides
- Cambodia’s Major Export Products (2026 Update)
- Cambodia Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Trends 2000–2026
- The Trade Boom: Cambodia’s Exports to the US Surge 40% in Early 2026
- Singapore Eyes More Cambodian Agro-Food
- How to Start a Business in Cambodia as a Foreigner (2026 Legal Guide)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is RCEP and how does it benefit Cambodia?
RCEP is a free trade agreement among 15 Asia‑Pacific countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and ASEAN members. It reduces tariffs, simplifies rules of origin, and facilitates trade – making Cambodian exports more competitive.
Which FTAs does Cambodia have?
Cambodia has bilateral FTAs with China, South Korea, and the UAE. It also benefits from the EU’s Everything But Arms (EBA) scheme and the US Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).
Why did Spain become a top export destination?
Spain is a major EU gateway for garments, footwear, and leather goods. Cambodian exports to Spain have grown due to competitive pricing and tariff preferences under the EBA scheme.
How can I start exporting from Cambodia?
Register your business through the Single Portal for Business Registration, obtain necessary licenses, and work with the Ministry of Commerce’s Trade Promotion Department. For agro‑exports, ensure phytosanitary compliance with target markets.
What is the outlook for Cambodia’s trade in 2026?
With strong Q1 performance, full‑year trade is likely to surpass US$60 billion (2025 total was US$54.8 billion). Continued growth depends on global demand, fuel prices, and geopolitical stability.
📢 Disclaimer
This article is based on data from the General Department of Customs and Excise and public statements as of April 11, 2026. Trade figures are preliminary and may be revised. Investors and traders should consult official sources before making decisions.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Cambodia’s 17% trade surge in Q1 2026 demonstrates the tangible benefits of RCEP and bilateral FTAs. The country is no longer a garment‑only exporter; machinery, electrical equipment, rubber, and agricultural products are increasingly driving growth. For investors, the message is clear: Cambodia’s integration into regional and global supply chains is accelerating, and those who position themselves early – whether in manufacturing, agro‑processing, or logistics – stand to gain.
As H.E. Penn Sovicheat noted, these trade agreements are catalysts for long‑term, sustainable export growth. The numbers prove it.
Sources: General Department of Customs and Excise, Ministry of Commerce