Cambodia’s trade surges 17% in Q1 on strong exports, investment growth

PHNOM PENH, April 10, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia’s international trade rose sharply in the first quarter of 2026, expanding by 17.2 percent year-on-year on the back of strong exports and sustained investment inflows, official data showed Friday.

The General Department of Customs and Excise reported total trade of $16.93 billion between January and March, compared with $14.4 billion in the same period last year. Exports climbed to $8.09 billion, up 17.7 percent, while imports increased 16.7 percent to $8.83 billion, reflecting continued expansion in Cambodia’s global market engagement.

Lim Heng, vice president of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, said rising investment activity was a key driver, noting that more than 1,000 projects approved by the Council for the Development of Cambodia over the past two years have boosted production and export capacity.

Deputy Prime Minister Sok Chenda Sophea said Cambodia has maintained resilience despite global challenges, with exports continuing to grow at around 15 percent, supported by government measures.

The Asian Development Bank projects Cambodia’s economy will expand by 4.5 percent in 2026, assuming global disruptions remain contained. Industrial output is forecast to rise 7.3 percent, driven by garment exports and growth in non-garment industries such as electronics, tires, and furniture.

Cambodia’s main exports include garments, footwear, travel goods, electrical components, and automotive tires, with key trading partners spanning China, ASEAN, the United States, the European Union, Japan, and South Korea.