Cambodia–Singapore trade soars 191% in Q1, driven by imports topping $537m

PHNOM PENH, April 20, 2026 (KPT) — Trade between Cambodia and Singapore surged 191 percent in the first quarter of 2026, reaching more than $555 million, official data showed Monday, underscoring rising demand and deeper integration within regional supply chains.

The General Department of Customs and Excise said exports to Singapore totaled over $18 million from January to March, up 24.2 percent year on year. Imports climbed sharply to more than $537 million, an increase of 205 percent.

Commerce Ministry spokesperson Penn Sovicheat said the robust growth reflects Cambodia’s ability to maintain key international markets while strengthening its role in global supply chains. “The increase in trade volume demonstrates Cambodia’s capacity to ensure supply stability and sustain confidence among international buyers,” he noted.

Economic expert Hong Vannak of the Royal Academy of Cambodia attributed the surge to rising demand between the two economies. He said Singapore remains strategically important due to its high standards, adding that success there signals competitiveness in wider global markets.

The strong start builds on rapid growth in 2025, when bilateral trade reached $2.34 billion, up 89 percent year on year.