Cambodia’s Trade Volume Tops $42 Billion Through August, Driven by Export Growth and Investment Momentum

By Leng Deth

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Sept.10, 2025) — Cambodia’s international trade volume reached $42.15 billion from January through August 2025, marking a 15.5% increase compared with the same period last year, according to data released Wednesday by the General Department of Customs and Excise.

Exports totaled $20.18 billion, up 14.8% year-on-year, while imports rose 16.2% to $21.96 billion. The trade deficit widened to $1.78 billion, compared with $1.32 billion during the same eight-month period in 2024.

Key trading partners included China, the United States, Vietnam, Thailand and Japan. Cambodia’s major export products ranged from garments and footwear to machinery, electrical equipment, rubber, agricultural goods and furniture.

Lim Heng, vice president of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, attributed the growth to proactive trade diplomacy led by Prime Minister Hun Manet. “The prime minister has actively engaged with international partners to attract investment, which has boosted production, processing and raw material imports,” he said.

Economist Hong Vannak of the Royal Academy of Cambodia said the country’s economic trajectory remains positive across trade, industry and tourism. “Cambodia’s exports to the U.S. and Europe continue under existing frameworks without disruption,” he noted.

“While growth may be slower, the current situation is better than during the COVID-19 period,” Hong added. “We’re seeing steady movement across key sectors.”

In 2024, Cambodia’s total trade volume reached $54.74 billion, up 16.9% from 2023. Exports rose 15.7% to $26.19 billion, while imports climbed 18% to $28.54 billion.