Cambodia’s trade landscape reached a historic milestone in 2025. During the Ministry of Commerce’s annual meeting this morning, H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul announced that the Kingdom’s total international trade surpassed US$65.25 billion. This robust growth reflects the success of the Royal Government’s “Pentagonal Strategy,” which focuses on expanding export markets and modernizing domestic production.
1. Export Performance: Beyond the Billion-Dollar Mark
Cambodia exported goods worth US$31.28 billion in 2025, a significant 17 percent increase from the US$26.75 billion recorded in 2024.
While Garment, Footwear, and Travel (GFT) goods remain the largest earners—accounting for approximately 50 percent of all exports—the real story lies in the “New Wave” of Cambodian products. The Kingdom has successfully diversified its portfolio to include:
- Machinery & Electrical Equipment: High-value components for regional supply chains.
- Agri-Exports: A surge in exports of milled rice, rubber, bananas, mangoes, and longans.
- Emerging Industries: Furniture, leather goods, pearls, toys, and textiles.
2. Imports and Key Trading Partners
To fuel its growing industry, Cambodia’s imports also rose by 18 percent, totaling US$33.96 billion. The majority of these imports consist of raw materials for manufacturing, petroleum, and construction materials.
The Kingdom’s top three trading partners remain consistent, showing strong ties with both regional and global superpowers:
- China: The primary source for raw materials and machinery.
- United States: The largest market for Cambodian-made garments and travel goods.
- Vietnam: A key partner for agricultural trade and energy.
3. The “Digital Ecosystem” and Trade Reforms
Minister Cham Nimul attributed this success to the Ministry’s aggressive digital transformation. By simplifying export procedures through digital ecosystems, the Ministry has:
- Reduced Costs: Lowering the administrative burden on small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
- Increased Speed: Cutting down the time required for certificates of origin and customs clearance.
- Enhanced Transparency: Making it easier for international buyers to verify Cambodian suppliers.
“These figures reflect the results of targeted measures implemented by the Royal Government to strengthen diversification in domestic production and international exports,” said Minister Cham Nimul.
4. The Social Impact: 913,000 Jobs and Counting
The trade boom is directly improving the lives of Cambodians. The GFT sector alone now comprises 1,608 factories and employs approximately 913,000 workers. Crucially, the majority of these workers are women, meaning the trade growth is a major driver of female economic empowerment in the Kingdom.
Conclusion: Looking Toward 2026
As Cambodia sets its sights on 2026, the focus will remain on the “Milled Rice Market Expansion Strategy” and leveraging the RCEP agreement to reach new markets in the Middle East and Europe. With a trade volume now exceeding US$65 billion, Cambodia is well on its way to achieving its goal of becoming an upper-middle-income country by 2030.