Cambodia–China trade soars 25% to $11.6bn in H1 2026, exports gain momentum

By: Leng Deth/Son Minea

PHNOM PENH, July 13, 2026 (KPT)– Cambodia’s trade with China surged 25.4 percent in the first six months of 2026 to more than US$11.63 billion, official data showed Monday, underscoring the strength of economic ties despite a widening trade imbalance.

Figures from the General Department of Customs and Excise revealed exports to China rose 25.7 percent year‑on‑year to US$943 million between January and June. Imports climbed in parallel, reaching US$10.67 billion, also up 25.4 percent.

Lim Heng, vice‑president of the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, said bilateral trade had remained robust for more than three decades, with Cambodia consistently importing more than it exports.

He noted the country relies heavily on Chinese raw materials to manufacture goods for re‑export to markets including the European Union and the United States.

“It is true that we import a great deal, but after processing and manufacturing those materials, we export finished products and earn significant profits,” Lim said. “Although imports remain higher than exports, our exports are also continuing to grow.”

Cambodia’s main exports to China include agricultural products, furniture, jewellery, and textiles, while imports range from raw materials and consumer goods to vehicles, machinery, construction materials, electrical equipment and electronics.

According to the Ministry of Commerce, bilateral trade reached US$19.73 billion in 2025, with exports down 3.6 percent to US$1.68 billion and imports up 34.3 percent to US$18 billion.