Economy
Cambodia’s Car Imports Surge Nearly 290% in First Nine Months of 2025
PHNOM PENH (Oct. 24, 2025) — Cambodia spent $773 million on importing vehicles during the first nine months of 2025, marking a 287.4% increase compared to the same period last year, when imports totaled $486 million, according to the Ministry of Commerce.
Industry leaders say the surge reflects rising consumer demand, driven by Cambodia’s youthful population, post-pandemic recovery, and improving household incomes. Ngorn Saing, CEO of RMA (Cambodia), said the country’s automotive market has grown steadily year-on-year since the COVID-19 crisis.
“Cambodians are entering a phase where car ownership is becoming a necessity,” Saing said. “With better jobs and higher income, demand is naturally increasing.”
Cambodia’s automotive policy has evolved to support market expansion while addressing regulatory gaps.
In 2024, Cambodia spent over $1 billion on importing all types of vehicles, up from nearly $903 million in 2023. Analysts say the trend underscores the need for clearer import regulations and incentives to attract formal investment in automotive infrastructure and assembly.
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