Cambodia–China Trade Jumps 22.5% in January, Exports Surge Nearly 60%

PHNOM PENH, Feb 12, 2026 (KPT) – Bilateral trade between Cambodia and China rose to nearly $1.9 billion in January, a 22.5 percent year-on-year increase, the General Department of Customs and Excise said Thursday.

Cambodia’s exports to China reached $164 million, surging almost 60 percent compared to the same period last year. Imports totaled about $1.7 billion, up close to 20 percent.

Exports were led by agricultural products, furniture, jewelry and textiles, while imports included raw materials for factories, consumer goods, food and beverages, vehicles, machinery, construction materials, and electrical and electronic equipment.

Lim Heng, vice president of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, attributed the growth to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the bilateral Cambodia–China Free Trade Agreement, which have expanded market access and reduced trade barriers.

The government has continued to deepen Cambodia’s integration into regional and global markets while pursuing governance reforms aimed at improving efficiency and public service delivery.

Chinese investment remains a major pillar of Cambodia’s economic expansion, creating more than one million jobs and supporting growth across multiple sectors.

According to the Ministry of Commerce, total Cambodia–China trade reached $19.73 billion in 2025, with Cambodian exports valued at $1.68 billion and imports at $18 billion.