Cambodia’s economic footprint within the ASEAN bloc expanded significantly in 2025, reaching a total trade volume of $16.37 billion. According to data released by the Ministry of Commerce on January 12, 2026, exports to regional partners climbed nearly 10%, driven primarily by a robust agro-industrial sector. As Cambodia strengthens its position in the global supply chain, ASEAN now accounts for nearly a third of the Kingdom’s total imports, highlighting the country’s growing reliance on and contribution to the regional economy.
1. The 2025 Trade Balance: By the Numbers
The latest report illustrates a dynamic year for Cambodian commerce, with growth across both import and export sectors.
| Trade Metric | 2025 Value (USD) | Growth vs. 2024 |
| Total ASEAN Trade | $16.37 Billion | Significant Increase |
| Exports to ASEAN | $5.67 Billion | +9.8% |
| Imports from ASEAN | $10.69 Billion | Steady Growth |
| Total Global Exports | $31.28 Billion | +16.95% |
2. Agricultural Powerhouse: What Cambodia Sells to ASEAN
While Cambodia is rapidly diversifying into manufacturing, its trade with neighboring ASEAN nations remains deeply rooted in its fertile soil. The primary drivers of the $5.67 billion export figure include:
- Paddy and Milled Rice: Continuing to dominate the regional food security market.
- Cashew Nuts & Rubber: Benefiting from improved processing facilities in the Northeast.
- Cassava and Bananas: Seeing increased demand from Thailand and Vietnam for industrial and consumer use.
3. Strategic Importance of the ASEAN Market
H.E. Penn Sovicheat, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, emphasized that this growth is not just about volume but about supply chain resilience. ASEAN now accounts for:
- 18.1% of Cambodia’s total global exports.
- 31.5% of Cambodia’s total global imports.
This interconnectedness ensures that even during global market fluctuations, Cambodia maintains “the confidence of buyers” and a steady flow of essential goods and raw materials.
Orkun Santepheap’s Perspective: The RCEP and Canal Influence
The 2025 trade surge can be attributed to the maturing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the anticipated logistics boost from the Funan Techo Canal. As transportation costs drop, Cambodian agricultural products are becoming more competitive against regional giants. For investors, these figures prove that Cambodia is no longer just a “garment hub” but a vital food and raw material supplier for the 600-million-strong ASEAN market.
Recommended Reading
- Cambodian Coffee Industry: Mondulkiri’s Rise to Global Fame – A deep dive into one of the agricultural sectors driving this export growth.
- Mondulkiri’s $123M Boom: 5 Major Projects Greenlit for 2026 – See where the investment capital for these export products is coming from.