Cambodia–China Trade Surges 23% to Over $9 Billion in First Five Months of 2026

PHNOM PENH, June 11, 2026 (KPT) — Bilateral trade between Cambodia and China rose nearly 23 percent to more than US$9 billion in the first five months of 2026, official data showed Thursday, underscoring the strength of economic ties between the two countries.

The General Department of Customs and Excise said two‑way trade reached US$9.38 billion from January to May, up 22.9 percent from the same period last year. Cambodia’s exports to China totaled US$753 million, an increase of 18.8 percent, while imports surged 23.3 percent to US$8.63 billion. The figures left Cambodia with a trade deficit of about US$7.8 billion.

Major Cambodian exports included agricultural products, furniture, jewelry and textiles. Imports from China consisted largely of raw materials for factories, consumer goods, food and beverages, vehicles, machinery, construction materials, electrical equipment and electronics.

Lim Heng, vice president of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, said trade relations with China have remained strong for more than three decades and continue to underpin Cambodia’s economic development. “We import a lot, but after processing and manufacturing, we export finished products and generate added value,” he said, noting Cambodia’s reliance on Chinese raw materials to supply industries exporting to the EU and United States.

China remains Cambodia’s largest trading partner and a major source of investment. According to the Ministry of Commerce, bilateral trade reached US$19.73 billion in 2025, with imports from China accounting for US$18 billion.