Cambodia’s Trade Jumps 20% as Manufacturing, Investment Fuel Export Growth

PHNOM PENH, May 11, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s international trade surged nearly 20 percent in the first four months of 2026, buoyed by expanding manufacturing activity and strong investment inflows that continue to drive industrial diversification, official data showed Monday.

The General Department of Customs and Excise said trade volume reached more than US$23.38 billion between January and April, up 19.9 percent from a year earlier. Exports rose 21.7 percent to US$11.12 billion, while imports climbed 18.3 percent to US$12.26 billion.

Lim Heng, vice president of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, said the growth reflected rising investment approvals by the Council for the Development of Cambodia, which cleared more than 1,000 projects over the past two years — a record high that has boosted production capacity.

Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol said special economic zones were attracting investment into sectors beyond garments, footwear and travel goods, with newer projects concentrated in vehicle assembly, automotive components, electronics and electrical equipment.

The figures underscore Cambodia’s push to diversify its industrial base and strengthen resilience against external shocks. The Asian Development Bank projects manufacturing output to rise 7.3 percent this year, supported by both garment exports and expanding non-textile industries such as electrical components, tires and furniture.

ADB forecasts Cambodia’s economy will grow 4.5 percent in 2026, provided global commodity market disruptions linked to Middle East conflict do not persist.

Cambodia’s total international trade reached US$65.25 billion in 2025, up 18 percent from the previous year, according to the Ministry of Commerce.