Cambodia’s trade with the rest of the world is booming. According to a new report from the Customs Department released on May 11, the country’s total trade reached over $23 billion in the first four months of 2026. This is a nearly 20% increase compared to the same time last year.
The Numbers at a Glance
From January to April:
- Exports (Selling to other countries): Cambodia sold $11.12 billion worth of goods, up by almost 24%.
- Imports (Buying from other countries): Cambodia bought $12.26 billion worth of goods, an increase of about 18%.
Our biggest customers continue to be the United States, Vietnam, Japan, and China.
Why is Trade Growing?
Experts point to two main reasons for this success:
- Better Trade Deals: H.E. Penn Sovicheat from the Ministry of Commerce explained that Cambodia has signed several regional and international agreements. These deals make it cheaper and easier for other countries to buy Cambodian products by lowering taxes (tariffs).
- A Strong Manufacturing Sector: Despite a shaky global economy, Cambodia’s factories remain busy. Anthony Galliano, a leading investment expert, noted that while clothes, shoes, and travel bags are still our top sellers, the country is getting better at making new things like electronics, car parts, and tires.
What Are We Trading?
- Main Exports: Mostly clothing, footwear, travel bags, electronics, bicycles, tires, and farm products.
- Main Imports: Mostly raw materials used in factories, fuel (petrol), vehicles, and electronic devices.
FAQ: Understanding Cambodia’s Trade
1. What does “International Trade” actually mean? It is simply the total value of everything Cambodia sells to other countries (exports) plus everything it buys from them (imports).
2. Why is an increase in exports good for the average person? When exports go up, it usually means factories are busy and farms are productive. This helps create more jobs and brings more money into the local economy.
3. What is a “Trade Agreement”? Think of it as a “friendship deal” between two or more countries. They agree to reduce or remove extra taxes on goods they sell to each other, making products cheaper and more competitive.