PHNOM PENH — Cambodia’s exports continued to show strong momentum in the first five months of 2026, reaching **US$14.04 billion**, up 19% from US$11.8 billion during the same period last year, according to a report released by the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia (GDCE) on June 10, 2026.
📊 Cambodia’s Top Export Markets
| Rank | Country | Export Value (US$ billion) | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | 5.73 | >40% |
| 2 | Vietnam | 2.32 | ~16.5% |
| 3 | Japan | 0.76 (760.3 million) | ~5.4% |
| 4 | China | 0.75 (753.37 million) | ~5.4% |
| 5 | Canada | 0.49 (498.02 million) | ~3.5% |
Note: The United States remains Cambodia’s largest export market, absorbing over 40% of total exports.
📈 Key Drivers of Export Growth
Mr. Thong Mengdavid, Deputy Director of the China-ASEAN Studies Centre at the Cambodia University of Technology and Science, stated that these figures demonstrate the resilience of Cambodia’s export sector despite ongoing global economic and security uncertainties.
He highlighted several key factors:
- Expanding international integration through trade agreements such as RCEP
- Bilateral Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with China, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates
- Gradual diversification from traditional garment exports into agricultural products and higher value-added industries
- Continued strong demand from the U.S. market
📊 Alignment with World Bank Report
These latest trade figures are consistent with the World Bank’s June 2026 Cambodia Economic Update, which described Cambodia’s economy as resilient amid external challenges.
The institution reported that goods exports grew by 17.7% in the first quarter of 2026 and projected economic growth (GDP) of 3.9% this year, rising to 4.9% in 2027.
Cambodia’s imports during the January–May period totalled US$16.03 billion, a year-on-year increase of 18.9%.
💡 Opportunities for Investors and Civil Servants
| Sector | Opportunity | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture | Export of crops and processed products | Cambodia is diversifying beyond textiles |
| Processing/Manufacturing | Factories producing parts and value-added goods | Leverage RCEP and FTAs |
| Logistics | Transport and warehousing services | Rising trade volumes require supply chain support |
| Financial Services | Banking and insurance | Export businesses need credit and risk management |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How does RCEP help Cambodia’s exports?
A: RCEP reduces tariffs and trade barriers among 15 member countries, including China, Japan, Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, boosting exports.
Q: By how much have exports increased compared to last year?
A: Exports rose 19% from US$11.8 billion to US$14.04 billion.
Q: Which sectors should investors focus on?
A: Agriculture (rice, rubber, cassava, fruits), light manufacturing, and logistics all show strong potential.
Q: What does rising imports indicate?
A: Higher imports (up 18.9%) suggest growing domestic production and consumption – a positive economic signal.
✅ Conclusion
The 19% rise in Cambodia’s exports is a strong sign of the resilience and potential of the Cambodian economy. For civil servants and investors, this is a time to consider opportunities in export‑oriented sectors and related industries.
Thank you for peace!
