Cambodia’s international merchandise trade reached US$63.45 billion during the first ten months of 2026, representing a 20.9% increase compared with the same period in 2025. The latest figures highlight the continued expansion of the country’s trade activities, supported by growing exports, imports, and connections with international markets.
According to figures reported by the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE) and published by Agence Kampuchea Presse (AKP) on November 10, Cambodia exported approximately US$29.98 billion worth of goods between January and October 2026, while imports reached US$33.47 billion.
Beyond the headline growth, the figures provide an opportunity to examine Cambodia’s export performance, demand for imported goods, trade balance, and position in the global economy. They also raise important questions about how the country can strengthen its competitiveness and create more value through international trade.
Cambodia’s Total Trade Reaches US$63.45 Billion
Cambodia recorded approximately US$63.45 billion in total merchandise trade during the first ten months of 2026, an increase of 20.9% from approximately US$52.5 billion during the corresponding period of 2025.
The reported figures show growth in both directions of trade:
- Total exports: US$29.98 billion, up 20.4% year-on-year.
- Total imports: US$33.47 billion, up 21.2% year-on-year.
- Total trade turnover: US$63.45 billion, up 20.9%.
These figures indicate that Cambodia’s international trade activities continued to expand during the period.
The growth of merchandise trade is important for an economy that relies on manufacturing, agriculture, international investment, and access to overseas markets. Trade connects domestic producers with international customers while allowing businesses to obtain the materials, machinery, and equipment needed for production.
However, total trade turnover should not be interpreted as GDP or as a direct measurement of domestic economic output. It represents the combined value of goods exported and imported across borders.
Cambodia’s Exports Increase by 20.4%
Cambodia’s exports reached approximately US$29.98 billion in the first ten months of 2026, representing a 20.4% increase compared with the same period of the previous year.
The country’s export base includes a range of manufactured and agricultural products. Major export categories reported in recent trade coverage include:
- Garments, footwear and travel goods
- Machinery and electrical components
- Automobile tyres and automotive parts
- Bicycles
- Furniture
- Agricultural commodities and other manufactured products
These industries demonstrate the importance of manufacturing and agriculture in Cambodia’s international trade.
The garment, footwear and travel goods sector has traditionally played a major role in the country’s export economy and employment. Meanwhile, the expansion of machinery, electrical components, automotive-related products and other manufactured goods reflects opportunities to broaden the country’s industrial base.
Agricultural exports also remain important. Cambodia’s agricultural production provides opportunities to supply regional and international markets, particularly where the country can improve product quality, processing capacity, packaging and supply-chain reliability.
Continued export growth will depend not only on producing more goods but also on improving productivity, meeting international standards and developing products with greater value added.
Imports Rise by 21.2%
Cambodia imported approximately US$33.47 billion worth of goods during the first ten months of 2026, an increase of 21.2% year-on-year.
Major import categories include raw materials for manufacturing, petroleum products, vehicles, electronics, and other consumer and production goods.
Import growth can reflect several different economic activities.
For example, manufacturers need imported materials and components to produce goods for domestic consumption and export markets. Businesses also require machinery and equipment to expand production capacity, while infrastructure and investment projects may generate demand for construction materials and industrial supplies.
At the same time, imports of petroleum products and consumer goods reflect domestic demand and the country’s dependence on certain foreign supplies.
Therefore, rising imports should not automatically be interpreted as a negative development. Their economic significance depends on what Cambodia imports and how those goods contribute to production, investment, consumption, and future export capacity.
A stronger understanding of import composition is essential for assessing the country’s trade performance.
Understanding Cambodia’s Trade Deficit
Although Cambodia’s exports increased by more than 20% during the first ten months of 2026, imports grew slightly faster.
Based on the reported figures, the difference between imports and exports was approximately US$3.49 billion.
This represents a merchandise trade deficit, meaning that the value of goods imported during the period exceeded the value of goods exported.
A trade deficit is an important indicator, but it should not be used alone to judge the overall condition of an economy.
Some imports support domestic manufacturing, infrastructure development, and investment. Imported machinery, production equipment, and raw materials can help businesses increase output and improve their ability to compete internationally.
The key consideration is whether imported goods contribute to productive economic activity and whether domestic industries can gradually develop stronger capabilities.
For Cambodia, the longer-term objective should be to expand exports, improve domestic production capacity, and increase the proportion of locally created value in exported products.
Cambodia’s Major Export Industries and Products
The composition of Cambodia’s exports illustrates the country’s combination of established industries and emerging manufacturing opportunities.
Garments, Footwear, and Travel Goods
Garments, footwear, and travel goods remain central to Cambodia’s export-oriented manufacturing sector. These industries provide employment and connect Cambodian factories with international brands and supply chains.
Maintaining competitiveness requires reliable production, skilled workers, efficient logistics, and compliance with international market requirements.
Machinery and Electrical Components
Machinery and electrical components represent an important area of manufacturing development.
The expansion of these products can support industrial diversification and create opportunities for Cambodia to participate in more complex regional production networks.
Strengthening technical skills, supplier networks, and production standards will be important to sustaining this development.
Automotive Products and Bicycles
Automobile tires, automotive parts, and bicycles are among the products included in Cambodia’s export portfolio.
These industries offer opportunities to expand manufacturing capabilities and connect domestic production with regional and international markets.
Agricultural Products
Agriculture remains an important part of Cambodia’s economic structure.
Expanding agricultural exports requires more than increasing production volumes. Processing, storage, packaging, quality control, transportation, and access to international buyers are also important.
Developing these capabilities can help Cambodian producers capture more value from agricultural commodities.
The Role of Free Trade Agreements and International Markets
Cambodia’s participation in regional and bilateral trade agreements provides an important framework for expanding market access.
One major regional arrangement is the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which connects Cambodia with other participating economies across the Asia-Pacific region.
Cambodia also has bilateral free trade agreements, including the Cambodia-China Free Trade Agreement and the Cambodia-Korea Free Trade Agreement.
These arrangements can provide preferential market access and create opportunities for Cambodian businesses to reach a wider range of international customers.
However, trade agreements alone do not guarantee export growth. Businesses must still meet product standards, understand market requirements, maintain competitive prices, and develop reliable supply chains.
Cambodia’s major trading partners include China, ASEAN member states, the United States, the European Union, Japan, Canada, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Australia, and India.
Maintaining established markets while developing new destinations can help reduce dependence on a limited number of buyers and create more opportunities for Cambodian producers.
Opportunities and Challenges for Cambodia’s Trade Sector
The latest trade figures demonstrate growth, but sustaining that momentum requires continued improvements in the country’s productive capacity and business environment.
Several priorities deserve attention.
1. Diversifying Export Products
Cambodia can strengthen its position in international markets by expanding beyond a narrow range of traditional export products.
Developing higher-value manufacturing, processed agricultural products, electrical components, and other competitive industries can create additional sources of export revenue.
2. Expanding International Markets
Market diversification can help businesses reduce their exposure to changes in demand, trade policies, and economic conditions in individual countries.
Building stronger commercial relationships across Asia, Europe, North America, and other regions can create more opportunities for Cambodian products.
3. Increasing Domestic Value Added
One important long-term objective is to increase the amount of value created within Cambodia.
This includes developing local suppliers, improving processing capacity, strengthening technical skills, and encouraging stronger connections between foreign-invested companies and Cambodian businesses.
The World Bank has highlighted the importance of moving toward higher value-added activities, improving productivity and strengthening connections between foreign investors and domestic suppliers. These priorities can help Cambodia develop a more competitive and resilient economy.
4. Improving Logistics and Trade Facilitation
Efficient transportation, customs procedures, ports, roads, and digital trade systems are essential for businesses operating in international markets.
Reducing unnecessary costs and delays can improve the competitiveness of Cambodian exports and make the country more attractive to investors.
5. Strengthening Workforce Skills
Industrial development requires workers with appropriate technical, digital, and professional skills.
Investment in education, technical and vocational training, and industry-relevant skills development can help Cambodian businesses move into more advanced production activities.
What Cambodia’s Trade Growth Means for Its Economic Future
Cambodia’s US$63.45 billion trade turnover during the first ten months of 2026 reflects the country’s continued integration into international markets.
The increase in exports demonstrates opportunities for Cambodian products, while the expansion of imports highlights the country’s demand for production inputs, energy, machinery, and consumer goods.
Nevertheless, long-term economic strength cannot be measured by trade volume alone.
The quality of exports, diversity of products, productivity of domestic industries, and ability to create higher-value employment are equally important.
Cambodia’s future trade competitiveness will depend on how effectively it develops local industries, attracts productive investment, improves infrastructure, and prepares its workforce for changing international market requirements.
The World Bank has also emphasized the need for structural reforms that support productivity, export diversification, and stronger links between foreign investors and Cambodian suppliers.
By building on its existing trade relationships while developing new industries and capabilities, Cambodia can strengthen its role in regional and global supply chains.
Conclusion: Strengthening Cambodia’s Position in Global Trade
Cambodia’s international merchandise trade reached US$63.45 billion during the first ten months of 2026, marking a 20.9% increase compared with the same period in 2025.
The growth of exports and imports demonstrates the scale of the country’s economic connections with international markets. It also highlights opportunities to strengthen manufacturing, agriculture, investment, and trade partnerships.
Looking ahead, Cambodia’s challenge is not simply to increase the value of goods crossing its borders. It is to develop a more diversified, productive, and competitive economy that creates greater value within the country.
Continued improvements in industrial capacity, workforce skills, logistics, trade facilitation, and international market access will be important to achieving that objective.
A stronger and more diversified trade sector can contribute to sustainable economic development, employment opportunities, and greater resilience for Cambodia in an increasingly interconnected global economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much was Cambodia’s total international trade in the first 10 months of 2026?
Cambodia’s total merchandise trade reached approximately US$63.45 billion from January to October 2026, representing a 20.9% increase year-on-year.
2. How much did Cambodia export during this period?
Cambodia exported approximately US$29.98 billion worth of goods during the first ten months of 2026, an increase of 20.4% compared with the same period in 2025.
3. How much did Cambodia import?
Imports reached approximately US$33.47 billion, increasing by 21.2% year-on-year.
4. Why does Cambodia have a trade deficit?
Cambodia recorded a merchandise trade deficit of approximately US$3.49 billion because the value of imports exceeded the value of exports during the period.
5. What are Cambodia’s major export products?
Major export categories include garments, footwear, travel goods, machinery, electrical components, automobile tires, automotive parts, bicycles, furniture, and agricultural products.
6. How do free trade agreements support Cambodia’s trade?
Agreements such as RCEP and the Cambodia-China and Cambodia-Korea free trade agreements provide frameworks for preferential market access and expanded trade opportunities.
7. What are the main challenges facing Cambodia’s export sector?
Key challenges include export diversification, productivity, domestic value creation, workforce skills, logistics efficiency, international standards, and access to new markets.
Sources and References
- AKP – Cambodia Records Trade Turnover of US$63 Billion in First 10 Months
- GDCE – International Merchandise Trade Statistics
- World Bank – Cambodia Economic Update, June 2026
- AKP – Cambodia’s Trade Turnover in First Nine Months
Editorial Note: Trade figures in this article are based on the reported January–October 2026 data. The merchandise trade deficit is calculated by subtracting exports from imports. Broader interpretations of economic opportunities and challenges are analytical contexts and should not be understood as additional official trade statistics.
Join the Discussion: What should Cambodia prioritize to strengthen its export competitiveness and create greater value within its economy?