UK Seeks to Diversify Cambodia Trade Beyond Garments as Bilateral Commerce Tops $1 Billion

PHNOM PENH, June 24, 2026 (KPT) — Britain is seeking to broaden trade with Cambodia beyond garments and footwear after bilateral commerce topped US$1 billion last year, the UK ambassador said.

Dominic Williams told Cambodia In Focus the trading relationship was “strong and full of untapped potential,” noting the UK is regularly among Cambodia’s top export markets. He pointed to London’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme, which grants tariff‑free, quota‑free access for 99 percent of product lines. Cambodia is already one of the largest global beneficiaries of the programme.

Williams said both sides are working to expand into new sectors. Through the UK Trade Partnerships programme, Britain is supporting Cambodian micro, small and medium‑sized enterprises to access international markets for the first time.

He highlighted rising exports of processed agricultural goods, citing Ibis Rice now sold in more than 250 UK stores, and a deal between distributor Whitworths and Stung Treng’s Handcrafted Cashew Nuts for 100 tonnes of premium cashews. Such partnerships, he said, show Cambodia’s potential to diversify exports and add value beyond traditional industries.

The ambassador expressed hope that agricultural products, along with other emerging sectors, could pave the way for broader Cambodian exports to Britain. He added that the UK sees opportunities in sustainable trade and innovation, underscoring London’s commitment to deepen economic ties with Phnom Penh as both countries look to strengthen resilience and growth.