Cambodia’s Car Imports Jump 60% to $1.1 Billion as Rising Incomes, Young Buyers Drive Demand

PHNOM PENH, Jan 28, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s appetite for family cars surged in 2025, with imports climbing to USD 1.1 billion, up 60 percent from the previous year, the Ministry of Commerce said Tuesday.

Officials and industry executives said the sharp rise reflects stronger consumer purchasing power and a wave of young buyers entering the market. Analysts noted the trend signals not only transport needs but also improving economic conditions and growing confidence among Cambodian households.

Ngorn Saing, chief executive of RMA Cambodia, said the automotive market has expanded steadily since the COVID-19 downturn, driven largely by the country’s youthful demographic. “Cambodia’s economic situation has improved.

People have jobs and higher incomes than before, which leads to greater demand for cars,” he said. “At the same time, the number of investors is increasing, and investors also require more vehicles for their operations.”

The market has also shifted toward new vehicles, which accounted for 60 percent of imports by the end of 2025, while demand for used cars declined.

The ministry said the figures underscore the sector’s momentum as Cambodia’s rising incomes and demographic changes reshape consumer demand.