Cambodia’s Vehicle Imports Hit New High as Economic Recovery Gains Speed

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 30, 2025) — Cambodia’s vehicle imports surged to near-record levels in 2025, signaling a strong rebound in domestic consumption and investor confidence as the country’s post-pandemic economic recovery gained momentum.

The Ministry of Commerce reported that Cambodia imported $971 million worth of passenger vehicles during the first 11 months of 2025, a 58.5 percent increase from the same period in 2024, when imports totaled more than $612 million.

Industry analysts said the growth reflects rising household incomes, expanding employment and a young population increasingly entering the consumer market.

Ngorn Saing, CEO of RMA Cambodia, said the automobile market has continued to grow year over year since the COVID-19 pandemic, driven largely by demographics and improving economic conditions.

“The economy is improving, people have more stable jobs, higher incomes and greater purchasing power. This has pushed up demand for personal vehicles,” he said, adding that increased investment activity has also contributed to the rise in imports.

Cambodia’s overall vehicle imports exceeded $1 billion in 2024, up from nearly $903 million in 2023, underscoring the sector’s rapid expansion.