Cambodia Posts $36.8 Billion International Trade in H1, Defies Global Headwinds

PHNOM PENH, July 10, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia’s international trade reached more than $36.8 billion in the first half of 2026, up 20.5 percent from a year earlier, according to figures released Friday by the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE).

The data showed exports rose 19.5 percent to $17 billion between January and June, while imports climbed 21.4 percent to $19.76 billion.

Neak Oknha Lim Heng, vice president of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, said the increase reflected rising investment in factories and enterprises registered with the Council for the Development of Cambodia. He noted that export growth was supported by existing markets benefiting from preferential trade schemes such as the EU’s Everything But Arms initiative, as well as demand from the United States and Asia.

The International Monetary Fund on July 8 forecast Cambodia’s economy would slow to around 3 percent this year, citing risks from higher energy prices, global trade uncertainty, weaker tourism and softer domestic demand.

Meas Sok Sensan, secretary of state and spokesman for the Ministry of Economy and Finance, said the IMF’s revision should be viewed in context. He stressed it did not signal deterioration in Cambodia’s fundamentals, pointing to a stable exchange rate, strong foreign direct investment and adequate reserves. He said the Fund itself acknowledged the government’s timely interventions to cushion external shocks and urged continued reforms to strengthen competitiveness, diversify exports and reinforce energy security.

While respecting the IMF’s assessment, Sok Sensan said the government maintained its 4.2 percent growth projection for 2026, citing stronger‑than‑expected non‑garment exports and resilient domestic activity in the first five months.

To address external pressures, the government has approved a $1.244 billion intervention programme combining budget resources, tax measures and partner support. Relief includes temporary cuts on selected petroleum products to ease inflation, alongside welfare assistance for vulnerable households and businesses. Longer‑term measures focus on protecting jobs, strengthening vocational skills and reinforcing resilience through energy security and governance reforms.

Sok Sensan added that Cambodia continues to implement structural programmes to streamline procedures, accelerate digitalisation, diversify exports and bolster investor confidence.