Cambodia–Japan Trade Nears $1 Billion in Early 2026 as RCEP Drives Growth

PHNOM PENH, May 13, 2026 (KPT) — Trade between Cambodia and Japan approached $1 billion in the first four months of 2026, rising 16.2 percent year-on-year, as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) continued to bolster bilateral ties and regional flows, officials said Tuesday.

The General Department of Customs and Excise reported total trade at about $966 million from January to April. Cambodia’s exports to Japan climbed 17.4 percent to $614 million, while imports rose 14.2 percent to $352 million.

Lim Heng, Vice President of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, said the growth reflected expanded tariff preferences under RCEP, which has facilitated trade among Japan, Australia, New Zealand and ASEAN economies. He noted Cambodia’s exports to Japan include garments, spare parts, electronic components and agricultural products.

Dr. Hong Vannak, economist at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said Japanese investors continue to view Cambodia as attractive, citing projects such as AEON shopping malls and electronics assembly plants. He added that RCEP has reinforced investor confidence by easing market access and strengthening supply chains.

According to the Ministry of Commerce, bilateral trade exceeded $2.53 billion in 2025, up 17.14 percent from the previous year, underscoring Japan’s role as one of Cambodia’s key trading partners in Asia.