Cambodia–UK trade tops $500 million in H1 2026 despite dip in exports

PHNOM PENH, July 15, 2026 (KPT) – Bilateral trade between Cambodia and the United Kingdom exceeded US$500 million in the first half of 2026, underscoring resilient commercial ties despite a slight fall in Cambodian exports, official data showed Wednesday.

The General Department of Customs and Excise said total trade reached US$507 million from January to June, down 1.5 percent from a year earlier.

Cambodia shipped goods worth US$478 million to the UK, a 2.3 percent year‑on‑year decline, while imports from Britain rose 13.7 percent to US$29 million.

Lim Heng, vice president of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, said exports remain supported by preferential access to the UK market and trade deals with South Korea and China, which are expected to spur stronger growth in the coming years.

Commerce Minister Cham Nimul said the two countries continue to enjoy close relations across trade and investment, noting that the UK remains one of Cambodia’s most important European partners.

The latest figures follow a solid performance in 2025, when bilateral trade hit US$1.06 billion, up 5.7 percent from 2024. Cambodia exported US$1.01 billion worth of goods to the UK last year, while imports totaled US$54 million.

Officials said garments, footwear and travel goods remain Cambodia’s key exports to Britain, while imports include machinery, pharmaceuticals and beverages. Analysts expect trade flows to strengthen further as Cambodia diversifies markets and deepens integration with global supply chains.