Cambodia‑UK Trade Tops $400 Million in First Five Months

PHNOM PENH, June 18, 2026 (KPT) — Bilateral trade between Cambodia and the United Kingdom exceeded $400 million in the first five months of 2026, official data showed Thursday, as strong demand for Cambodian exports helped offset a modest decline in overall volume.

The General Department of Customs and Excise said total trade reached $401 million from January to May, down 3.2 percent compared with the same period last year. Cambodian exports to the UK fell 7.6 percent to nearly $379 million, while imports rose 7.7 percent to $22 million.

Lim Heng, vice president of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, said the Kingdom continues to benefit from preferential market access and trade agreements with partners including the UK, China and South Korea, which are expected to support stronger growth in the future. Commerce Minister Cham Nimul added that ties with Britain remain close across trade and investment, underpinning expanding cooperation.

Socio‑economic researcher Chey Tech noted that Cambodian textiles, garments and electrical components continue to enjoy zero‑tariff access to the British market, helping sustain competitiveness and export growth potential.

The Ministry of Commerce said Cambodia‑UK trade reached about $1.06 billion in 2025, up 5.7 percent from 2024, with Cambodian exports accounting for $1.01 billion. Analysts say the latest figures show bilateral trade remains on a positive trajectory despite short‑term fluctuations, reflecting the resilience of Cambodia’s export sectors and the importance of preferential tariff treatment in maintaining market share.