Cambodia’s Construction Material Imports Surge 17% in Q1 Amid Real Estate Recovery Push

PHNOM PENH, May 4, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia imported more than US$631 million worth of construction materials in the first quarter of 2026, up 17.45 percent year on year, as the government steps up efforts to revive the real estate sector, official data showed Monday.

The Ministry of Commerce said China remained the largest supplier, accounting for US$452 million in imports, followed by Vietnam with over US$57 million and Malaysia at US$36 million. Imports of iron and steel reached around US$298 million, reflecting continued demand for core construction inputs.

The uptick comes as authorities prioritize measures to support the property market, while new project approvals continue to expand. Data from the National Bank of Cambodia showed the value of approved construction projects rose 48.3 percent in 2025, led by strong growth in industrial, residential and tourism related developments.

Despite modest real estate growth of 2.4 percent last year, tax revenue from construction material imports accounted for 33 percent of total government revenue, underscoring the sector’s fiscal importance, said Kun Nhem of the General Department of Customs and Excise.

Cambodia imported construction materials worth US$2.6 billion in 2025, up more than 30 percent from a year earlier, highlighting the sector’s role as a driver of recovery and a key source of state revenue.